Genética Humana e Embriologia

Blood Types and Beyond: Co-dominance in Inherited Haematological Disorders

Abstract

Danielle Divera*

Co-dominance is a genetic phenomenon where both alleles of a gene are expressed simultaneously in the phenotype of a heterozygous individual. Unlike traditional Mendelian inheritance, where one allele dominates the other, co-dominance results in a blending or co-expression of traits. This phenomenon is particularly evident in blood type inheritance, where the ABO system showcases co-dominance between the A and B alleles, leading to distinct blood types. In co-dominant traits, the heterozygous individual exhibits a phenotype that is a unique combination of both alleles, rather than a simple intermediate. This complex interplay between alleles adds a layer of diversity and complexity to genetic inheritance patterns, contributing to the rich tapestry of biological diversity.