A and B chains of hemoglobin are transmitted in an autosomal ______ pattern?

A and B chains of hemoglobin are transmitted in an autosomal ______ pattern?

• A. Dominant
• B. X-linked
• C. Recessive
• D. Mitochondrial

Answer: (C)

The genes encoding the globin A and B chains are located on autosomes, not sex chromosomes, so their inheritance is not linked to gender. In many globin chain disorders, disease manifests only when an individual inherits two defective copies, while individuals with one mutated and one normal copy (carriers) are usually asymptomatic because the remaining normal allele provides enough functional globin. This pattern—disease arising from having two defective alleles—is classic autosomal recessive. Therefore, A and B chain abnormalities are transmitted in an autosomal recessive manner.

The genes encoding the globin A and B chains are located on autosomes, not sex chromosomes, so their inheritance is not linked to gender. In many globin chain disorders, disease manifests only when an individual inherits two defective copies, while individuals with one mutated and one normal copy (carriers) are usually asymptomatic because the remaining normal allele provides enough functional globin. This pattern—disease arising from having two defective alleles—is classic autosomal recessive. Therefore, A and B chain abnormalities are transmitted in an autosomal recessive manner.