HESI A2 Biology 2024 Related

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Huntington's disease is carried on the dominant allele. In a situation where two heterozygous parents have the disease, what percentage of their offspring are predicted to be disease-free?

  • A. 0%
  • B. 25%
  • C. 50%
  • D. 100%
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, both parents are heterozygous for Huntington's disease, meaning each carries one dominant allele (representing the disease) and one recessive allele (representing no disease). When they have offspring, there is a 25% chance that each child will inherit two recessive alleles, making them disease-free. The Punnett square for two heterozygous parents (Hh x Hh) yields a 25% probability of offspring being homozygous recessive (hh) and therefore disease-free. Choice A (0%) is incorrect because there is a possibility of disease-free offspring. Choice C (50%) is incorrect as it represents the likelihood of being a carrier. Choice D (100%) is incorrect as all offspring will not be disease-free in this scenario.