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Multiple Choice
If you look at a blood sample from a person who is heterozygous at the sickle cell locus you will see both normal circular red blood cells and sickle-shaped red blood cells. This is an example of
A
multi-locus inheritance.
B
complete dominance.
C
incomplete dominance.
D
codominance.
E
linked genes.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of codominance: In codominance, both alleles in a heterozygous individual are fully expressed, resulting in a phenotype that shows both traits simultaneously.
Identify the alleles involved: In the case of sickle cell anemia, the alleles are HbA (normal hemoglobin) and HbS (sickle cell hemoglobin).
Recognize the phenotype: A person who is heterozygous at the sickle cell locus (HbA/HbS) will have both normal red blood cells and sickle-shaped red blood cells.
Differentiate from other genetic concepts: Unlike complete dominance where only one allele is expressed, or incomplete dominance where a blend of traits is observed, codominance results in both traits being visible.
Apply this understanding to the problem: Since both normal and sickle-shaped cells are present in the blood sample, this is an example of codominance.