A heterozygous individual shows a dominant trait. Why?

A heterozygous individual (Tt) shows the dominant trait because the dominant allele overrides the effect of the recessive allele.

Key Idea

Term	Meaning
Heterozygous	Two different alleles (Tt)
Dominant Allele	Expresses even in single copy
Recessive Allele	Remains hidden in presence of dominant

Genetic Explanation

Genotype	Phenotype
TT	Dominant
Tt	Dominant
tt	Recessive

Why it Happens

Reason	Explanation
Dominant Expression	One allele is enough to show trait
Masking Effect	Recessive allele does not express
Protein Function	Dominant allele produces functional protein

Stepwise Understanding

1. Individual has one dominant (T) and one recessive (t) allele

2. Dominant allele produces required trait or protein

3. Recessive allele effect is hidden

4. Trait appears as dominant

Important Concept

Dominance means one allele can mask the expression of another.

Real Insight

Even though recessive gene is present, it is not visible, but it can still pass to next generation.

So heterozygous individuals show dominant trait due to masking by dominant allele.