Study the following carefully.Read the pedigree. Inheritance pattern of the disease in the family is
**Core Concept**
Autosomal dominant inheritance is characterized by a single copy of the mutated gene being sufficient to cause the disease. This type of inheritance follows a predictable pattern, where each generation is affected with a 50% probability. The presence of the disease in every generation, along with multiple family members being affected, is a hallmark of autosomal dominant inheritance.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In this pedigree, the disease is present in every generation, with multiple family members affected. This pattern of inheritance suggests that the disease is caused by a dominant gene mutation. The presence of affected individuals in every generation, including both males and females, indicates that the disease is not sex-linked and is therefore autosomal. The fact that the disease skips generations is not a characteristic of autosomal dominant inheritance, as every generation should be affected.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because autosomal recessive inheritance would require both parents to be carriers of the mutated gene for their offspring to be affected. However, in this pedigree, the disease is present in every generation.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because X-linked inheritance would result in a pattern of disease prevalence that is skewed towards females, as they have two X chromosomes. However, in this pedigree, both males and females are equally affected.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because mitochondrial inheritance would result in a pattern of disease prevalence that is passed down from mother to child. However, in this pedigree, the disease is present in every generation, including males.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that autosomal dominant inheritance typically results in a 50% chance of passing the disease to each offspring, regardless of the parent's sex. This is in contrast to autosomal recessive inheritance, where both parents must be carriers to have an affected offspring.
**Correct Answer:** C.