Final answer:
The total number of β-globin alleles on chromosome 11 is two, as humans inherit one allele from each parent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the total number of β-globin alleles present on chromosome 11. As stated, there are two β-globin alleles on chromosome 11, one per homologous chromosome, since humans are diploid organisms. Therefore, the total number of β-globin alleles on chromosome 11 is two. This is in line with the basic principles of genetics, where each person inherits one set of genes from each parent, including the β-globin gene involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin components.