In a genetic scenario where allele C (red) and allele c (white) exhibit incomplete dominance, what would be the expected phenotype of a heterozygous Cc individual?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option A
In the case of incomplete dominance, neither allele is completely dominant over the other. Instead, the heterozygous genotype results in a blended phenotype that is intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes.
- Here, allele C codes for red color and allele c codes for white color. Since the organism is heterozygous (Cc), it carries one red allele and one white allele. Due to incomplete dominance, the phenotype will not be purely red or purely white but a mixture of the two.
- Therefore, the expected phenotype of a Cc individual is pink, which is an intermediate color between red and white.
Key points:
- Incomplete dominance means no allele is completely dominant.
- Heterozygous genotype (Cc) results in an intermediate phenotype.
- Red (C) and white (c) blend to produce pink.
So, the correct answer is: Pink.
Reference: Genetics: Analysis and Principles, 5th Edition, Chapter 5, Page 142