Question

The genetic constitution of the combined paternal and maternal DNA responsible for producing the different ABO blood groups is referred as:

• A. Phenotype
• B. Genotype
• C. Multiple genes
• D. Pseudo genes

Hint:

Remember: \textbf{Gen}otype is the \textbf{gen}etic code. \textbf{Ph}enotype is the \textbf{ph}ysical appearance or observable trait.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Define the key terms.
(1) Phenotype: The observable characteristics of an individual, such as hair color, eye color, or blood type (e.g., Type A, Type B). It is the physical expression of the genes.
(2) Genotype: The specific genetic makeup or set of alleles of an individual. For ABO blood groups, this would be the combination of alleles like IA, IB, or i (e.g., IAIA, IAi, IBIB, IBi, IAIB, ii). The genotype determines the phenotype. The question asks for the "genetic constitution," which is the definition of genotype.
(3) Multiple genes: Refers to traits controlled by more than one gene (polygenic inheritance), which is not the case for the basic ABO system (controlled by one gene with multiple alleles).
(4) Pseudo genes: Segments of DNA that are related to real genes but have lost their protein-coding ability.

Step 2: Conclude. The term for the underlying genetic constitution is the genotype.