Question

The allele associated with albinism in humans is recessive (c). The probability that an albino male (cc) and a carrier female (Cc) will have an offspring with normal skin pigmentation is _________.

Hint:

To solve genetic probability problems, use Punnett squares to determine the possible genotypes of offspring and their corresponding probabilities.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the inheritance pattern.
Albinism is caused by a recessive allele (c). The male is albino (cc), and the female is a carrier (Cc). The probability of an offspring having normal pigmentation (CC or Cc) depends on the genetic combinations.

Step 2: Determine the potential genetic outcomes.
The father (cc) can only contribute a c allele. The mother (Cc) can contribute either a C or a c allele with equal probability.

The possible combinations of alleles for their offspring are:
- From father (c) and mother (C): offspring genotype is Cc (carrier, normal pigmentation).
- From father (c) and mother (c): offspring genotype is cc (albino).

Step 3: Calculate the probability of having normal pigmentation.
The probability of getting Cc (normal pigmentation) is 50%, as the mother can contribute either C or c with equal probability.

Thus, the probability that the offspring will have normal pigmentation is \( \boxed{0.5} \).