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Principles Of Inheritance And Variation

Question
CBSEENBI12002000

Describe the mechanism of pattern of inheritance of ABO blood groups in humans.

Solution

In humans, the ABO blood groups are controlled by a gene called I gene. It has three alleles, namely IA, IB and i. A person possesses any two of the three alleles. IA and IB dominate over i. But with each other, IA and IB are co-dominant that is they both get expressed when present together. 
IA and IB are responsible for the production of antigen A and B present on the surface of RBC. Plasma membrane of RBC possess sugar polymer that protrudes out of its surface and the type of sugar present on the surface is controlled by gene I. IA and IB allele is responsible for coding for glycosyltransferase enzyme responsible for developing modification in the terminal sugar molecule.  IA and IB differ very minutely on the sugar molecule while gene i does not produce any sugar molecule. Here allele A and B are dominant in nature while ii fail to produce any antigenic molecule so express blood group O.