Sickle-Cell Disease: Let's Learn about Genetics and Probability!

Which set of parents has the most likely chance of producing a child with sickle-cell disease?

a. SS mother and Ss father

b. Ss mother and SS father

c. Ss mother and Ss father

d. SS mother and SS father

Answer: b

The most likely chance of producing a child with sickle-cell disease is with a Ss mother and SS father.

Genetics can be a fascinating and complex topic, especially when it comes to inheritance and the likelihood of certain genetic traits. One such genetic disorder is sickle-cell disease, which is inherited based on specific gene combinations.

In the case of sickle-cell disease, the dominant gene for round red blood cells is S, while the recessive gene for sickle-shaped red blood cells is s. When it comes to the likelihood of producing a child with sickle-cell disease, we need to consider the genotype of the parents.

When a Ss mother and SS father have a child, there is a higher probability of the child inheriting the recessive gene for sickle-shaped red blood cells, as the father passes on the gene responsible for the disease. This combination increases the chance of the child having sickle-cell disease.

Understanding the genetics behind sickle-cell disease can help us appreciate the role of probability in genetics and the importance of knowing our genetic makeup. By knowing the genetic risks and likelihood of certain traits being passed down, we can make informed decisions and take steps towards managing genetic disorders.