If a geneticist describes a trait as being 70% penetrant,what would that mean?
A) The expression of the trait varies by individual.
B) It is lethal in 30% of the individuals who have the trait.
C) Only 70% of the individuals who have a particular genotype express the trait.
D) The trait is present in 70% of the population.

Question

If a geneticist describes a trait as being 70% penetrant,what would that mean?
A) The expression of the trait varies by individual.
B) It is lethal in 30% of the individuals who have the trait.
C) Only 70% of the individuals who have a particular genotype express the trait.
D) The trait is present in 70% of the population.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Penetrance refers to the proportion of individuals with a particular genotype that show the corresponding phenotype. So a trait that is 70% penetrant means that only 70% of individuals with the genotype for that trait actually express the trait.

If a Geneticist Describes a Trait as Being 70% Penetrant,what