Question

assume the pedigree is tracing the dominant trait of freckles (f) through the family. what is most likely the genotype of individual a?
homozygous dominant (ff)
heterozygous (ff)
homozygous recessive (ff)

Explanation:

Since the trait is dominant, individuals with the dominant phenotype (freckles) can have either \(FF\) (homozygous dominant) or \(Ff\) (heterozygous) genotypes. But if individual \(A\) were \(FF\) (homozygous dominant), all of her offspring would have freckles (because she would only pass on the \(F\) allele). However, looking at the pedigree, she has offspring without freckles. This means she must be able to pass on the recessive allele (\(f\)). So, she must be heterozygous (\(Ff\)).

Answer:

Heterozygous (\(Ff\))