Blood types are an example of what type of dominance?

• A. Complete dominance
• B. Incomplete dominance
• C. Codominance
• D. Leaky dominance

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of dominance in genetics: Dominance refers to the relationship between alleles, where one allele can mask the expression of another in a heterozygous individual.
2. Review the types of dominance: Complete dominance occurs when the dominant allele completely masks the recessive one. Incomplete dominance results in a blend of traits. Codominance occurs when both alleles are fully expressed in the phenotype. Leaky dominance is not a standard term in classical genetics.
3. Identify the characteristics of blood types: Human blood types (A, B, AB, O) are determined by the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells, specifically the A and B antigens.
4. Analyze how blood type alleles interact: The A and B alleles are codominant, meaning that if an individual inherits both alleles (genotype AB), both antigens are expressed, resulting in blood type AB.
5. Conclude that blood types are an example of codominance, as both alleles contribute equally and visibly to the phenotype without blending or masking each other.