WHAT IS GENOTYPE?
Genotype is the total hereditary genetic configuration of cells in humans like the software codes that run a system and determine its characteristics (phenotype).
HUMAN GENOTYPES:
There are six genotypes in humans. Some are more common than the others.
The six are…
AA, AS, AC, SC, SS, CC.
Blood contains Cells, which are called Red Blood Cells (RBCs). Within these Cells are Hemoglobin, a very vital substance and without them the RBCs are useless. These Hemoglobin come in different types; among them are Hemoglobin A, Hemoglobin S and Hemoglobin C.
Every individual must possess a pair of these hemoglobin in their blood, which are inherited from both parents respectively. They can be paired in the following sequence: AA, AS, AC, SC, SS or CC, otherwise known as Genotypes.
A combination of Hemoglobin AA is regarded as a Normal Genotype in an individual.
AS or AC Hemoglobin pairing means an individual has Traits or is a Carrier of a defective SCD gene.
SC, SS, or CC Hemoglobin combination in any individual means full blown Sickle Cell Disorder.
MARRIAGE OR RELATIONSHIP GENOTYPE COMPATIBILITY:
The chart below explains the Genotype outcomes between two partners:
AA + AA = AA, AA, AA, AA
AA + AS = AA, AS, AA, AS,
AA + SS = AS, AS, AS, AS,
AA + AC = AA, AA, AA, AC.
AS + AS = AA, AS, AS, SS,
AS + SS = AS, SS, SS, SS,
AS + AC = AA, AC, AS, SS.
AC + SS = AS, A8, SS, SS,
SS + SS = SS, SS, SS, SS,
AC + AC = AA, AC, AC, SS.
It’s therefore only advisable for individual with normal genotype AA to marry another individual with AA or AS Genotype.
A person with the trait of AS or AC must avoid getting married or being in a relationship with another with the AS or AC Genotype. Chances are that they will have one or more offsprings with SCD.
And lastly, SCD patients with SC, SS or CC must never marry one another.
Know your Genotype today.