Question

: In an autosomal dominant pedigree, how would a heterozygous female be represented?

A) Shaded square
B) Shaded circle
C) Unshaded square
D) Unshaded circle

Answer 1

In an autosomal dominant pedigree, a heterozygous female is represented by a shaded circle because, in pedigrees, females are circles and shading indicates the individual has the trait.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an autosomal dominant pedigree, a heterozygous female would be represented by a shaded circle. In pedigrees, squares are used to represent males, while circles represent females. When tracing a dominant trait, any individual that possesses the trait (even if they are heterozygous for it) is indicated by shading in their respective symbol. Regardless of being homozygous or heterozygous dominant, the presence of at least one dominant allele leads to the expression of the trait, which is why the heterozygous female is represented with a shaded shape. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Shaded Circle.