A researcher prepared a pedigree (family tree) to trace a genetic disorder in a family - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 6 - 2006 - Paper 1

To determine how the gene causing the condition could be described, we need to analyze the characteristics of the genetic disorder in question.

1. Examine the pedigree: In a pedigree, if both males and females express the condition, this suggests a dominant or co-dominant inheritance pattern. If it primarily affects males and skips generations, it may point to a sex-linked trait.

2. Evaluate inheritance: If offspring can inherit the disorder despite one unaffected parent, it is likely recessive. If traits appear equally in both sexes, it typically indicates a dominant inheritance.

In this case, since the question implies a broad transmission without gender bias, the best answer is typically (B) Dominant. This suggests that the trait can appear in every generation and both sexes can have the disorder.