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A researcher prepared a pedigree (family tree) to trace a genetic disorder in a family - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 6 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 6
A researcher prepared a pedigree (family tree) to trace a genetic disorder in a family. Key Male has the genetic disorder Female has the genetic disorder Female do... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A researcher prepared a pedigree (family tree) to trace a genetic disorder in a family - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 6 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
How could the gene that causes the condition best be described?
Answer
To determine how the gene causing the condition could be described, we need to analyze the characteristics of the genetic disorder in question.
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Examine the pedigree: In a pedigree, if both males and females express the condition, this suggests a dominant or co-dominant inheritance pattern. If it primarily affects males and skips generations, it may point to a sex-linked trait.
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Evaluate inheritance: If offspring can inherit the disorder despite one unaffected parent, it is likely recessive. If traits appear equally in both sexes, it typically indicates a dominant inheritance.
In this case, since the question implies a broad transmission without gender bias, the best answer is typically (B) Dominant. This suggests that the trait can appear in every generation and both sexes can have the disorder.