MadSci Network: Genetics
Query:

Re: what is the probability that both my parents have purebred alleles..

Date: Fri Jan 12 17:39:52 2001
Posted By: Mark Woelfle, Faculty, Molecular Biology, Vanderbilt University
Area of science: Genetics
ID: 978529376.Ge
Message:

It is my understanding that "tongue-rolling" is controlled by a single 
autosomal gene; the allele for "tongue-rolling" is dominant.  But, I would 
need to know more information to be able to answer your question about yur 
parents.

We know that you have at least one copy of the "tongue-rolling" allele (T) 
because you have this talent; you could be TT or Tt genotypically. If you 
are TT, then at the very least both of your parents would also have to be 
heterozygous. If you are Tt genotypically, then only one parent need be 
heterozygous. 

Are both your parents tongue-rollers? If one is not, that parent is tt. If both 
can, then they are TT or Tt and we cannot tell the difference. Do you have 
brothers or sisters? Are they able to tongue-roll? This information would 
help to answer your question. If any siblings are non-tongue-rollers, but 
both parents are, then you know that both parents were heterozygous (Tt)for 
this trait. 

For more information on genetics, check out our archives or consult an 
introductory genetics textbook.





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