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Multiple Choice
In cats, curled ears result from an allele that is:
A
recessive to the allele for straight ears
B
dominant to the allele for straight ears
C
sex-linked and found only on the Y chromosome
D
codominant with the allele for straight ears
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of alleles: Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome. Traits like curled or straight ears in cats are determined by these alleles.
Review the types of dominance relationships: Dominance relationships include complete dominance, codominance, and incomplete dominance. In complete dominance, one allele masks the expression of the other. In codominance, both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype.
Consider the inheritance pattern: If the allele for curled ears is dominant, it will express the curled ear phenotype even if only one copy of the allele is present (heterozygous condition). If it is recessive, two copies of the allele (homozygous condition) are required for the curled ear phenotype.
Evaluate the possibility of sex-linked inheritance: Sex-linked traits are associated with genes located on sex chromosomes (X or Y). If the allele for curled ears is Y-linked, only male cats would exhibit the trait, as females do not inherit the Y chromosome.
Analyze codominance: If the allele for curled ears is codominant with the allele for straight ears, cats with one copy of each allele would exhibit a phenotype that shows both traits equally (e.g., partially curled ears).