Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Principles of Inheritance and Variation

Question:

Under what genetic conditions can a girl be colorblind?

Options:

Having a carrier mother and normal father

Having a normal mother and colorblind father

Having a carrier mother and colorblind father.

Both 1 and 2

Correct Answer:

Having a carrier mother and colorblind father.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) → Having a carrier mother and colorblind father.

Explanation:
Colorblindness is a sex-linked recessive trait found on the X chromosome. Since girls have two X chromosomes (XX), for a girl to be colorblind, she must inherit two copies of the defective gene—one from each parent.

For a girl (XX) to be colorblind:

She must inherit two affected X chromosomes:

    • One from her colorblind father (XcY → passes Xᶜ to daughters).
    • One from her carrier mother (XcX → 50% chance to pass Xᶜ).

Other Options:

  • Carrier mother + normal father (XcX × XY):
    • Daughter has 50% chance to be a carrier (XᶜX) but cannot be colorblind (needs XᶜXᶜ).
  • Normal mother + colorblind father (XX × XcY):
    • Daughter will be a carrier (XcX) but not colorblind.
  • Both 1 and 2: Incorrect (neither alone causes colorblindness in girls).

Key Genetic Cross:

Carrier Mother (XcX) × Colorblind Father (XcY):

  • 25% chance of colorblind daughter (XcXc).

Answer: Having a carrier mother and colorblind father