Bill has come to you for genetic counseling.  He is concerned that he and his sister (Alice)...

60.1K

Verified Solution

Question

Biology

Bill has come to you for genetic counseling.  He isconcerned that he and his sister (Alice) are at risk for Huntingtondisease. Bill and Alice are too young to showsymptoms.  Their grandmother, (Mary) had Huntingtondisease.  Her three children, Shirley, Tom, and Ed so farshow no symptoms.  Shirley is the oldest (45 years old)and is Bill and Alice’s mother. A study by Adams (American Journalof Human Genetics 43;695 – 704, 1988) indicates that 68% ofindividuals heterozygous for the Huntington allele show symptoms byage 45.   

a. Draw a pedigree of this family.

b. What is the probability that Bill is heterozygous forHuntington disease?

c. What test(s) would you recommend for Bill and Alice todetermine if they are heterozygous?

d. Explain why you recommend this test, what results it cangive, and how these results can answer Bill’s question.

Answer & Explanation Solved by verified expert
4.5 Ratings (743 Votes)
AnswersA Mary had the disease But we cannot be sure of the genotypeof Mary as the disease is a dominant one Hence two differentpedegree charts for the family is attached with this answer onerepresenting Mary with heterozygous genetic makeup for the traitand the other representing Mary with homozygous dominantgenotypeNothing is said about the genotype of Marys partner and henceshould be considered disease free and hence homozygous recessivefor the trait Also nothing is said about Shirleys partner andshould be considered disease free and hence homozygous recessiveKeeping these things in mind go through the pedegree    See Answer
Get Answers to Unlimited Questions

Join us to gain access to millions of questions and expert answers. Enjoy exclusive benefits tailored just for you!

Membership Benefits:
  • Unlimited Question Access with detailed Answers
  • Zin AI - 3 Million Words
  • 10 Dall-E 3 Images
  • 20 Plot Generations
  • Conversation with Dialogue Memory
  • No Ads, Ever!
  • Access to Our Best AI Platform: Flex AI - Your personal assistant for all your inquiries!
Become a Member

Other questions asked by students