Question

Difficulty: EasyIncomplete Dominance, Codominance, and Multiple Alleles

In human genetics, the ABO blood group system is controlled by multiple alleles (IAI^A, IBI^B, and ii). Which of the following blood group phenotypes directly demonstrates codominance between alleles?

  1. Blood group ABAnswer
  2. B
    Blood group O
  3. C
    Blood group A
  4. D
    Blood group B

Answer

Blood group AB
Blood group AB is determined by the heterozygous genotype IAIBI^A I^B. In this condition, both alleles IAI^A and IBI^B are fully and simultaneously expressed on red blood cell membranes without masking each other, making it a classic example of codominance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define codominance in contrast to complete dominance and recessiveness.
Codominance occurs when two different alleles at a locus are both fully expressed in the heterozygous condition, resulting in a phenotype that displays both traits simultaneously.
Identifying the phenotypic expression of heterozygous genotypes determines the inheritance pattern.
2
Analyze the allele interactions in the ABO blood group system.
Alleles IAI^A and IBI^B are both completely dominant over allele ii, but are codominant to each other.
Evaluating the relationship between alleles clarifies which genotype produces a codominant phenotype.
3
Determine which phenotype expresses both functional alleles simultaneously.
An individual with blood group AB has the genotype IAIBI^A I^B and produces both A and B antigens on red blood cells.
The presence of both distinct antigens demonstrates codominance.

Key Concept

Codominant Allele Expression in ABO Blood Group System
Estimated Time:45s
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