Genes Usually Have Multiple Alleles

question 14

Multiple Choice

Genes usually have multiple alleles. Alleles that have the same phenotype can be grouped together. Alleles can also be ranked in an allelic series, such as with agouti, which governs coat color in dogs and other animals. Rank the following alleles for the hypothetical gene C, governing hair color, in order of dominance (most dominant first) .
There are four alleles: C^r, C^y, C^b, and C^w. Individuals homozygous for these alleles have red, yellow, black, and brown hair, respectively. C^r_ individuals have red hair. Heterozygotes carrying C^y do not have yellow hair. In a cross between homozygous C^b and C^w individuals, ¾ of the offspring have brown hair.
-(most dominant) = C^r

• A) 1 (most dominant)
• B) 2
• C) 3
• D) 4 (least dominant)

---

Definitions:

Estuaries

Coastal water bodies where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater from the ocean, creating an ecologically rich environment.

Salinity

The concentration of dissolved salts in water, affecting the density, biodiversity, and chemical behavior of aquatic environments.

Fluctuation

A variation or change in a state, quantity, or level, often without a set pattern or rhythm.

Mismatched

Not properly or suitably matched; often used in the context of DNA sequences where bases do not align properly.