Chapter 3, Problem 48P

a.

Summary Introduction

To determine:  The most likely mode in the inheritance of each of these phenotypes.  

Introduction. The different forms of an allele in two organisms of the species can result in changes in their appearance even though their genetic composition is highly similar. These are gene polymorphisms that account for the change in the appearance of genetically similar organisms.

b.

Summary Introduction

To determine:  The genotypes of all members in generation III.

Introduction. The law of segregation proposes that the alternative forms of the genes that are known as alleles separate during the formation of gametes. These gametes get one of the alleles that constitute the gene. Thus, during the formation of the zygote, these independent gametes come to fuse to provide the allele pair to the offspring.

c.

Summary Introduction

To determine:  The probability of the first child to be dwarf and have a cataract and the probability of normal child.

Introduction. The dominant allele masks the expression of the recessive allele. The dominant allele is expressed in homozygous and heterozygous genotype while the recessive phenotype is only expressed under homozygous conditions.