Here's how it works:
* Two alleles: Like most traits, codominance involves a gene with two different alleles (versions of the gene).
* Both expressed: Instead of one allele masking the other (like in dominant/recessive inheritance), both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype.
* Unique phenotype: The resulting phenotype is a blend or combination of the traits associated with each allele.
Example:
* Blood type: The ABO blood group system is a classic example of codominance. Individuals with the alleles for both A and B blood types will have AB blood type, expressing both A and B antigens on their red blood cells.
Key points:
* Codominance is distinct from incomplete dominance, where the phenotype is a blend of the two alleles, but not a distinct expression of both.
* In codominance, both alleles are fully expressed, leading to a combined phenotype.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
