Question 11

Recessive is the correct term to describe the gene causing the infant's hereditary disease.

A recessive gene is one that must be present in two copies (one from each parent) for the associated trait or disease to manifest in offspring. In this context, the healthcare provider's explanation indicates that the hereditary disease in the infant is linked to a gene that both parents may carry but does not necessarily express in them.

A) selective

The term selective refers to the process of choosing or favoring certain elements over others. It does not pertain to genetic inheritance or the nature of genes related to hereditary diseases, making it an incorrect choice in this context.

B) recessive

Recessive accurately describes a type of gene that can lead to a hereditary disease if an individual inherits two copies of that gene, one from each parent. This aligns perfectly with the scenario presented, where the disease is linked to a gene present in the family's genetic history.

C) regressive

Regressive suggests a return to a previous state or a decline in function, which does not apply to genetic terminology. It is not used to describe how genes influence hereditary diseases, rendering this option incorrect.

D) objective

Objective relates to being unbiased or impartial, typically in the context of judgment or observation. This term is not relevant to genetics or the inheritance of diseases, making it an inappropriate choice for this sentence.

Conclusion

The choice of "recessive" is definitive as it correctly identifies the genetic mechanism behind the hereditary disease affecting the infant, while all other options fail to relate meaningfully to genetic inheritance. Understanding the nature of recessive genes is crucial for grasping how hereditary diseases can manifest within families, which is the core concept being assessed in this question.