Albinism is an inherited condition. A dominant allele (AAA) results in the normal production of melanin, a pigment in the skin and hair. A recessive allele (aaa) results in a lack of melanin production, causing albinism.
What is meant by the term recessive?
What are the two different genotypes of people who have normal skin pigment?
State the genotypes of both parents, and all possible genotypes of their offspring, for a cross between a heterozygous father and a heterozygous mother. Use the symbols AAA and aaa.
What is the probability of these parents producing a child with albinism?
What is the phenotype ratio of children with normal pigment to children with albinism?
Albinism results in a lack of melanin, a pigment that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Suggest how this might affect the rate of mutation in skin cells and lead to the development of skin cancer.
