Question

Even if a character shows multiple allelism, an individual will only have two alleles for the character. Why?

Answer 1

Multiple allelism

Multiple allelism refers to the presence of more than two alternative forms of a gene present on the same locus of a homologous chromosome. Examples include the ABO blood group system.

Allele

A pair of genes that employ a particular location on a specific chromosome and control the same trait are alleles. The organism's genotype is called homozygous if a pair ofalleles are similar. The organism's genotype is heterozygous if the pair of alleles differ.

Individuals have two alleles for a gene

The individuals of the human population being diploid (2n) possess only two alleles for a gene. For example, a person with an AB blood group has an IA IB genotype.

Related Questions

1. Allele pairs separate or segregate during gamete formation and randomly unite during fertilisation.
2. Explain different types of blood groups and donor compatibility by making a table.