Please read the following scenario to answer the following question(s).
Widow's peak, a pointed hairline on the forehead, is a genetic trait caused by a dominant allele. It can be traced back through a family's history using pedigree analysis. The pedigree shown here shows three generations of a family. Notice that some individuals (shown in gray) have a widow's peak (W = dominant allele and w = recessive allele).

-Mary has the genotype ______.
A) WW
B) ww
C) Ww
D) more information is needed.

Question

Please read the following scenario to answer the following question(s).
Widow's peak, a pointed hairline on the forehead, is a genetic trait caused by a dominant allele. It can be traced back through a family's history using pedigree analysis. The pedigree shown here shows three generations of a family. Notice that some individuals (shown in gray) have a widow's peak (W = dominant allele and w = recessive allele).
 
-Mary has the genotype ______.
A) WW 
B) ww 
C) Ww 
D) more information is needed.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order for Mary to have a widow's peak, she must either be homozygous dominant (WW) or heterozygous (Ww) for the dominant allele. Since her parents both have widow's peaks and are most likely heterozygous carriers themselves, it is logical to assume that Mary also carries a dominant allele. Therefore, the best choice is option C, Ww.

Please Read the Following Scenario to Answer the Following Question(s)