science question 1

Question

Suppose the ability to edit RNA is a dominant trait. A male squid with two dominant alleles for RNA editing sexually reproduces with a female squid that has two recessive alleles for RNA editing. Will their offspring be able to edit their RNA? Explain.

Answer 1

You could approach this question using a Punnett square. If you put to two dominant alleles the male squid has on one side, AA and the two recessive alleles of the female squid on the other, aa. You would have a Punnett Square that showed that all four potential offspring combinations would have at least one dominant allele. (All four would have Aa).

In that case, yes, all of their offspring will have the ability to edit their RNA as the father will pass on a dominant allele to all of his offspring.