Question

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder in which the blood doesn't clot normally. The Royal family of England has a high concentration of this condition.
1) Explain why they have a higher then normal occurrence.
2) Explain what type of individuals is this condition localized/found.

Answer 1

1. The royal family was marrying within the family (mostly between cousins) hence increasing the chances for which the offspring will be homozygous recessive for the gene (factor VIII) that codes for hemophilia (This can be shown by Mendel's model of crossing the first and second filial generations of plants. This generated more recessive traits in the population). This culture was an attempt to ensure the wealth of the family remains in the dynasty.  However, the genetic repercussions have made the Royal family have allowed marrying outside the family.  

2. An individual with hemophilia is referred to as a hemophiliac individual. Individuals with a recessive allele for the conditions are carriers and can produce offspring with hemophilia if they breed with another carrier or a hemophiliac individual,