Question
Define codominance
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Codominance is a genetic phenomenon in which both alleles in a heterozygous organism contribute equally and visibly to the organism's phenotype. Unlike complete dominance—where one allele masks the effect of another—codominance results in a situation where both traits are expressed simultaneously and distinctly.
A classic example of codominance is found in certain blood types in humans. For instance, individuals with one allele for type A blood (I^A) and one allele for type B blood (I^B) exhibit type AB blood. In this case, both the A and B antigens are expressed on the surface of red blood cells, demonstrating the codominance of the I^A and I^B alleles.
Overall, codominance allows for a blending of traits rather than complete masking, contributing to the genetic diversity observed in populations.
A classic example of codominance is found in certain blood types in humans. For instance, individuals with one allele for type A blood (I^A) and one allele for type B blood (I^B) exhibit type AB blood. In this case, both the A and B antigens are expressed on the surface of red blood cells, demonstrating the codominance of the I^A and I^B alleles.
Overall, codominance allows for a blending of traits rather than complete masking, contributing to the genetic diversity observed in populations.