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The instructions for alpha globin
production are present in duplicate, two genes on each chromosome
16 for a total of four. The instructions for beta globin production
are on chromosome 11, one gene on each chromosome for a total of
two.
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Half of a woman’s genetic
information goes into each egg, including one chromosome 11 and
one chromosome 16. The same is true in the formation of sperm. At
conception, the total of 46 chromosomes is restored. Which chromosome
11 or 16 is passed down is determined randomly. There is nothing
that a mother or father does (or does not do) to direct which chromosome,
and therefore which allele, is transmitted to his or her children.
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