Genetics Problem -- Colourblindness is a recessive X linked trait

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In summary, the overall probability of a female child being colorblind is 1/16. This takes into account the probability of the child being female and the probability of normal vision. This is different from the overall probability of colorblindness, which is 1/8, as it only considers the probability of being colorblind regardless of gender.
  • #1
TytoAlba95
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Homework Statement
Colourblindness is a recessive X linked trait. A couple, who are both blood type A and with normal vision have a son who is blood type O and colourblind. What is the probability that their next child would be a daughter and with blood type O and normal vision?
Relevant Equations
a. 1/2
b. 1/4
c. 1/8
d. 1/16

Ans is a.
I'm getting 3/32.

P= Probability of a daughter x Probability of O blood type x Probability of Normal vision
= 1/2 x 1/4 x 3/4
= 3/32
 
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  • #2
A looks like the wrong answer to me.

3/4 is the correct overall probability of colorblind ness, but you need to account for the fact you've already included the probability that the child is female. Given that the child is female, what is the probability that she will be colorblind?
 
  • #3
P= Probability of a daughter x Probability of O blood type x Probability of Normal vision girl
= 1/2 x 1/4 x 1/2
= 1/16

Thank you :)
 
  • #4
Still not correct. It may be helpful to write out a Punnet square for gender and colorblindness.
 
  • #5
243991

Therefore P= 1/8.
I was taking the father as XcY, which actually should be XY.
 
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  • #6
Correct!
 
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1. What is colourblindness and how is it inherited?

Colourblindness is a genetic condition that affects a person's ability to distinguish between certain colors. It is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, meaning that the gene responsible for colourblindness is located on the X chromosome and is only expressed when a person has two copies of the gene.

2. Who is more likely to be affected by colourblindness?

Colourblindness is more common in males than females because males only have one X chromosome, making them more likely to inherit a recessive gene on that chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes, so they would need to inherit two copies of the colourblindness gene to be affected.

3. Can a person with one colourblindness gene still see colors normally?

Yes, a person with one colourblindness gene will still have normal color vision. They are considered carriers of the gene and can pass it on to their children, but they will not be affected by the condition themselves.

4. Is colourblindness more common in certain populations?

Colourblindness is a genetic condition that can affect anyone regardless of their race or ethnicity. However, some studies have shown that it is more common in males of European descent.

5. Can colourblindness be treated or cured?

Currently, there is no cure for colourblindness. However, there are special glasses and contact lenses that can help people with certain types of colourblindness see colors more accurately. Gene therapy is also being researched as a potential treatment for colourblindness.

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