3.4.6

Codominance

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Codominance

Codominance is where both alleles for the same characteristic are simultaneously expressed in the heterozygote. This can influence the outcome of monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.

Illustrative background for CodominanceIllustrative background for Codominance ?? "content

Codominance

  • Codominant alleles are both expressed in a heterozygote.
  • Neither of the alleles are recessive.
  • Codominance influences the phenotypic ratios of monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
Illustrative background for E.g. sickle-cell anemiaIllustrative background for E.g. sickle-cell anemia ?? "content

E.g. sickle-cell anemia

  • An example of codominance is sickle-cell anemia.
  • There are two alleles for sickle-cell anemia:
    • HN - normal hemoglobin.
    • HS - sickle hemoglobin.
Illustrative background for Sickle-cell phenotypesIllustrative background for Sickle-cell phenotypes ?? "content

Sickle-cell phenotypes

  • People who have two copies of the HN allele (homozygotes) do not have sickle-cell anemia.
  • People who have two copies of the HS alleles (homozygotes) do have sickle-cell anemia.
  • People who have one HN allele and HS allele (heterozygotes) have both normal hemoglobin and sickled hemoglobin.
    • HN and HS are codominant.
Illustrative background for Phenotypic ratiosIllustrative background for Phenotypic ratios ?? "content

Phenotypic ratios

  • Codominance affects the phenotypic ratios of monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
  • E.g:
    • If two heterozygous (HNHS) breed, the ratio becomes 1:2:1 instead of the normal 3:1 that is expected in a monohybrid cross.

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