In the pedigree below, squares represent males and circles represent females. Individuals who express a particular trait are represented by shaded figures. Which of the following patterns of inheritance best explains the transmission of the trait?

A) Sex-linked dominant

B) Sex-linked recessive

C) Autosomal recessive

D) Autosomal dominant

"Autosomal dominant" patterns of inheritance best explains the transmission of the trait.

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

In single-gene disorders there are several fundamental inheritance modes: autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked dominant and X-linked recessive. Nevertheless, these patterns will not be observed by all genetic conditions, and other unusual inheritance mechanisms such as mitochondrial inheritance occur.

Autosomal dominant is an inheritance pattern in which an individual affected has one xerox of a mutant gene and one normal gene on a pair of autosomal chromosomes. Autosomal dominant is one of many ways in which families may transmit a trait or disorder. If one get the abnormal gene from just one parent in an autosomal dominant disorder, than he/she can get the disease.