Question

if a heterozygous (aa) is a trait, predict the possible sperm a: the sperm would not carry either of the alleles b: 100% of the sperm would carry both of the alleles (aa) c: 50% would carry a dominant (a) and 50% would carry a recessive (a) d: 50% would carry two dominant alleles (aa) and 50% would carry two recessive alleles (aa)

Explanation:

The problem is about genetics (a subfield of Biology, which is under Natural Science) and predicting offspring genotypes. When a heterozygous (Aa) parent is involved, we use Mendelian genetics. For a cross of Aa (assuming the other parent's genotype? Wait, maybe it's a self - cross or with a homozygous? Wait, the options are about sperm. Wait, if the parent is Aa (heterozygous), the possible gametes (sperm or egg) would be A and a, each with 50% chance. Wait, let's analyze the options:

Option A: "the sperm would not carry either of the alleles" – incorrect, because the parent has A and a alleles, so sperm must carry one.

Option B: "100% of the sperm would carry BOTH of the alleles (Aa)" – incorrect, because during meiosis, the alleles segregate, so a sperm can carry only one allele (A or a), not both.

Option C: "50% would carry a dominant (A) and 50% would carry a recessive (a)" – this is correct. Because in a heterozygous (Aa) individual, during meiosis, the A and a alleles separate, so half of the gametes (sperm) get A and half get a.

Option D: "50% would carry two dominant alleles (AA) and 50% would carry two recessive alleles (aa)" – incorrect, because sperm are haploid and carry only one allele, not two. So the correct option is C.

Answer:

C. 50% would carry a dominant (A) and 50% would carry a recessive (a)