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Multiple Choice
The ABO blood type is a trait that demonstrates which type of inheritance?
A
Incomplete dominance
B
Polygenic inheritance
C
Complete dominance
D
Codominance
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of codominance: Codominance is a form of inheritance where both alleles in a gene pair are fully expressed, resulting in offspring with a phenotype that is neither dominant nor recessive. In the case of ABO blood types, both A and B alleles are expressed equally in individuals with AB blood type.
Review the ABO blood group system: The ABO blood group system is determined by the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells. The A and B antigens are encoded by different alleles of the same gene, and the O allele does not produce any antigen.
Identify the alleles involved: The ABO blood type is controlled by three alleles: IA, IB, and i. The IA allele codes for the A antigen, the IB allele codes for the B antigen, and the i allele results in no antigen (O type).
Examine the expression of alleles: In individuals with AB blood type, both IA and IB alleles are present and expressed equally, demonstrating codominance. This means that neither allele is dominant over the other, and both contribute to the phenotype.
Compare with other inheritance patterns: Unlike complete dominance, where one allele masks the expression of another, or incomplete dominance, where the phenotype is a blend of both alleles, codominance allows both alleles to be fully and equally expressed in the phenotype.