Use the Following Pedigree (Figure 14

question 12

Multiple Choice

Use the following pedigree (Figure 14.3) for a family in which dark-shaded symbols represent individuals with one of the two major types of colon cancer. Numbers under the symbols are the individual's age at the time of diagnosis.

Figure 14.3
-What is the genotype of the deceased individual in generation II?

• A) homozygous for a gene for colon cancer
• B) homozygous for both cancer alleles from his mother
• C) heterozygous for a gene for colon cancer
• D) affected by the same colon cancer environmental factor as his mother
• E) carrier of all of the several known genes for colon cancer

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Definitions:

Old Age

A phase in the life cycle of an organism that is characterized by a decline in physiological function and an increased likelihood of mortality.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which a cell becomes specialized to perform a specific function.

Genetic Makeup

The set of genes or genetic information in an organism, determining its hereditary characteristics.