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Let B represent the dominant gene for a full head of hair, and let b represent the recessive gene for male pattern baldness. The following Punnett square represents the offspring of two people with recessive genes for baldness.

According to the Punnett square, which selection includes all outcomes that would produce an offspring with male pattern baldness?

A. Possibility 1.
B. Possibility 4.
C. Possibilities 1, 2, and 3
D. Possibilities 2, 3, and 4

1 Answer

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Final answer:

To determine the possibilities of offspring with male pattern baldness from a given Punnett square, we must consider combinations of alleles that result in bb (two recessive alleles). Without the specific details of the Punnett square, we cannot provide a precise answer; however, typically if both parents are heterozygous for the trait, there is a 25% chance for offspring to be bb.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Genetics Through Punnett Squares

In genetics, a Punnett square is a tool that predicts the probability of an offspring inheriting a particular genotype based on the genetic makeup of the parents. To answer the student's question, we need to understand that B represents the dominant allele for full hair and b the recessive allele for male pattern baldness. Offspring will exhibit male pattern baldness only if they inherit two recessive alleles (bb).

Regarding the possibilities presented (Possibility 1, 2, 3, and 4), to produce an offspring with baldness, both alleles in the genotype must be b (recessive). Since the question does not provide the specific genotypes in each possibility, it would be impossible to determine accurately which possibility results in male pattern baldness without additional information. However, generically, if a Punnett square is drawn with two parents who are heterozygous (Bb), there would be a 25% chance (1 in 4) of producing offspring with baldness (bb). If both parents are homozygous recessive (bb), then all offspring will be bb, leading to a 100% chance of expressing male pattern baldness.

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