The trait encoded by a(n) ______ allele will ONLY be exhibited when another allele does not mask it.

The trait encoded by a recessive allele will ONLY be exhibited when another allele does not mask it. In genetics, alleles can come in different forms, with dominant alleles being those that can mask the effect of other alleles. When an individual inherits two copies of the same recessive allele (homozygous recessive), the trait associated with that allele will be expressed. Conversely, if the individual carries at least one dominant allele (heterozygous), the dominant trait will be expressed, effectively masking the recessive trait. Thus, for a recessive trait to be visible in a phenotype, it must be paired with another recessive allele of the same gene.