Which child in the family study results represents a recombinant?

To determine which child represents a recombinant, it is essential to understand the concept of recombination in genetics. Recombinant DNA arises when the genetic material is exchanged between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, leading to offspring that possess combinations of alleles different from those of their parents.

In a family study, if you are observing traits or alleles, the recombinant child will display a combination of traits that is not found in either of the parents but is instead a new mix. This can often be identified by looking at the genotypes of the parents and the children.

In this scenario, Child 6 is identified as the recombinant because the traits expressed by this child indicate a new combination that differs from what was inherited from the parents. For example, if the parents exhibit certain alleles, and Child 6 shows a unique combination of alleles or traits that do not match either parent, this suggests that recombination has occurred.

The other children may display traits that correspond directly to parental genotypes or combinations thereof, indicating they have inherited traits without the new recombinant variations that characterize Child 6. Thus, Child 6's distinctive genetic combination signals its status as a recombinant in the family study.