Question

Albinism, lack of pigmentation in humans, results from an autosomal recessive gene. Two parents

with normal pigmentation have an albino child. What is the probability that their next three
children will be wild type?
A) 1/4
B) 1/32
C) 3/8
D) 0%
E) 3/64

Answer 1

The probability of two carrier parents having an albino child is 1/4. The probability that their next three children will be wild type is 1/8.

Step-by-step explanation:

Since albinism is caused by an autosomal recessive gene, both parents must be carriers of the albino gene in order to have an albino child. The probability of two carrier parents having an albino child is 1/4 (1/2 chance for each parent to pass on the albino gene).

However, for their next three children to be wild type (without albinism), both parents must be carriers and pass on the wild type gene for each child. The probability of this happening three times in a row is (1/2)³ = 1/8. Therefore, the probability that their next three children will be wild type is 1/8.

So, the correct answer is (C) 1/8.