Marla is a known carrier of the sickle cell allele, while Jerry is unsure of his genotype. The couple have 3 children, and one is diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD). What is Jerry’s genotype?

Question

HbA/HbA
HbS/HbS
There is not enough information to tell.
HbA/HbS

Answer 1

Jerry's genotype is most likely HbA/HbS. This would explain why their child has sickle cell disease (HbS/HbS), as both parents must pass on the sickle cell allele for a child to have SCD.