Which of the following is a recessive trait in pea plants?

Options

A. Dwarf stem height
B. violet flowers
C. axial flowers
D. inflated pods

Answer

To determine which trait is recessive in pea plants, we can analyze the options provided based on Mendel's experiments with pea plants.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Dominance and Recessiveness**:
- In genetics, traits can be classified as dominant or recessive. Dominant traits are expressed in the phenotype even if only one copy of the allele is present, while recessive traits are only expressed when two copies of the allele are present.

2. **Identifying Traits in Pea Plants**:
- Mendel studied several traits in pea plants, including stem height, flower color, and pod shape.
- The common traits he observed include:
- Tall stem (dominant) vs. dwarf stem (recessive)
- Purple flowers (dominant) vs. white flowers (recessive)
- Axial flower position (dominant) vs. terminal flower position (recessive)
- Inflated pods (dominant) vs. constricted pods (recessive)

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- If we consider the traits mentioned:
- **Dwarf stem height**: This trait is known to be recessive.
- **Violet flowers**: This trait is dominant.
- **Axial flowers**: This trait is also dominant.
- **Flated pods**: This trait is dominant.

4. **Conclusion**:
- From the analysis, the only recessive trait among the options is **dwarf stem height**.

### Final Answer:
The recessive trait in pea plants is **dwarf stem height**.