Question

What is/are the possible inheritance pattern(s) for the characteristic in Pedigree 2? Assume no new mutations and complete penetrance.

a. Autosomal recessive only
b. Autosomal dominant only
c. X-linked recessive only
d. X-linked dominant only
e. All of the above are possible.

Answer 1

Without the specific details of Pedigree 2, it's not possible to determine the exact inheritance pattern. Generically, autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, X-linked recessive, and X-linked dominant inheritance patterns can all manifest in different scenarios, depending on the genetic makeup and gender of the affected individuals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The possible inheritance patterns for the characteristic in Pedigree 2 are not explicitly provided, but we can discuss the general patterns for each option based on the given information. With autosomal recessive inheritance, typically both parents must be carriers, and there is a 3:1 probability of expression among offspring when both parents are carriers.

Autosomal dominant inheritance manifests in individuals who have at least one dominant allele. An X-linked recessive allele is always expressed in males since they have only one X chromosome, while females must have two copies of the recessive allele to express the characteristic.

X-linked dominant inheritance differs depending on which parent is affected since males have only one X chromosome and females have two. Consequently, all of the inheritance patterns (autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, X-linked recessive, and X-linked dominant) are theoretically possible.