Answer: The genotypic percentages for the offspring of two heterozygous individuals for the sickle cell anemia trait would be 25% AA (normal red blood cells), 50% AS (mixed phenotype), and 25% SS (sickle-shaped red blood cells). The phenotypic percentages for the offspring would be 75% mixed phenotype (AS) and 25% sickle-shaped red blood cells (SS).
Step-by-step explanation:
Sickle cell anemia is a codominant disorder, which means that both alleles of a heterozygous individual are expressed equally. In this case, the heterozygous phenotype shows a mixture of normal red blood cells (AA) and sickle-shaped red blood cells (SS).
When two heterozygous individuals (AS) are crossed, the possible offspring genotypes are:
AA (normal red blood cells) = 1/4 of the offspring
AS (mixed phenotype) = 1/2 of the offspring
SS (sickle-shaped red blood cells) = 1/4 of the offspring
So, the genotypic percentages for the offspring would be 25% AA (normal red blood cells), 50% AS (mixed phenotype), and 25% SS (sickle-shaped red blood cells).
The phenotypic percentages for the offspring would be 75% mixed phenotype (AS) and 25% sickle-shaped red blood cells (SS), as both alleles are expressed equally in the AS phenotype.
It's important to note that sickle cell anemia is a serious disorder that can cause a wide range of health problems, including anemia, pain, and increased risk of infections. Individuals with sickle cell anemia typically require medical treatment and support to manage their condition.