If both parents are carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene, what is the probability that their child will have cystic fibrosis?

Prepare for the Pediatric Respiratory Exam with our comprehensive study materials. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready with confidence!

Multiple Choice

If both parents are carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene, what is the probability that their child will have cystic fibrosis?

Explanation:
This question hinges on autosomal recessive inheritance. If both parents are carriers, each parent has one normal allele and one cystic fibrosis allele (A, a). The child’s possible genotypes are AA, Aa, Aa, and aa. Only the aa combination causes cystic fibrosis, so there is a 1 in 4 chance, i.e., 25%, that the child will have the disease. The other outcomes are AA (unaffected non-carrier) or Aa (carrier) with 25% and 50% frequencies, respectively.

This question hinges on autosomal recessive inheritance. If both parents are carriers, each parent has one normal allele and one cystic fibrosis allele (A, a). The child’s possible genotypes are AA, Aa, Aa, and aa. Only the aa combination causes cystic fibrosis, so there is a 1 in 4 chance, i.e., 25%, that the child will have the disease. The other outcomes are AA (unaffected non-carrier) or Aa (carrier) with 25% and 50% frequencies, respectively.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy