For an SNP with three alleles, how many different diploid genotypes are possible?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For an SNP with three alleles, there are three possible alleles in each of the two chromosomes in a diploid organism. The total possible number of different diploid genotypes can be determined by multiplying the number of possible genotypes for each chromosome. There are three possible genotypes for each chromosome (homozygous for one allele, homozygous for another allele, or heterozygous), therefore the total possible number of different diploid genotypes is 3 x 3 = 9. However, in a diploid organism, there are only two chromosomes, so we must divide by 2 to get the final answer: 9/2 = 4.5, which rounds up to 5. Therefore, the correct answer is D) 6.

For an SNP with Three Alleles, How Many Different Diploid