Before getting into a marriage, certain things have to be considered when taking the 'compatibility test'. One of or the most important things to be considered before embarking on a lifetime commitment, is the couple's blood group and genotype.
It is important that couples consider their genotype compatibility before getting married, as that will help ensure they birth healthy children, and live healthy lives as well.
What is genotype?
According to the genotype is simply the genetic constitution of an individual organism or group of organisms with reference to a single trait, set of traits, or an entire complex of traits.
Types of genotype:
There are 4 major Genotypes - AA, AS, SS, and AC, AC genotype is rare while SS and SC are abnormal genotypes.
READ ALSO: Types of genotype - What are they?
There are different types of Hemoglobin; among them are Hemoglobin A, Hemoglobin S and Hemoglobin C. Hemoglobin C is very rare.
Everyone must have a pair of these hemoglobin in their blood, each is usually inherited from both parents (genotypes).
Below is a list of possible outcomes of genotype combinations:
- AA + AA = AA, AA, AA, AA
- AA + SS = AS, AS, AS, AS
- AA + AC = AA, AA, AA, AC
- AS + AS = AA, AS, AS, SS
- AS + SS = AS, SS, SS, SS
- AS + AC = AA, AC, AS, SC
- SS + SS = SS, SS, SS, SS
- AC + SS = AS, AS, SS, SS
- AC + AC = AA, AC, AC, CC
What type of genotype is CC?
The CC genotype is often referred to as “homozygous normal,” meaning that both copies of the gene contain the “C” allele.
READ ALSO: How to know your genotype without blood test?
What type of genotype is AA?
The AA genotype is often referred to as "homozygous dominant", meaning that the individual has a normal phenotype and no risk of having 'abnormal' offspring.
Can someone with the CC genotype marry someone who is AA?
Someone who is AA can marry anyone without any problem (medically), reason being that AA is considered as 'normal' and 'disease free'. When there is a pairing between AA and CC, they are likely to have an offspring who is AC, and judging by this result, the offspring is in little or no danger, as he/she can go on to live a normal 'worry free' life.
Side effects of having the CC genotype:
Most people do not have symptoms. Occasionally, jaundice may occur. Sometimes, they may experience Cholelithiasis (otherwise known as gallstones), Angloid streaks which cause poor vision, episodes of severe anemia and Splenomegaly (big spleen).
Watch this video to see what Nigerians think should first be considered before going into a new relationship: