D3.2.9—ABO blood groups
ABO blood groups depend on three alleles, with IA and IB codominant and both dominant over i in inheritance problems.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- D3.2.9
- Level
- HL
ABO blood groups depend on three alleles, with IA and IB codominant and both dominant over i in inheritance problems.

Coverage 2013–2023 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
ABO phenotype is determined by IA, IB and i: IA and IB are codominant, while i is recessive to either.
IA makes A antigen; IB makes B; i makes neither; IAIB therefore displays both antigens. Trace the allele combination through the stated biological mechanism before predicting the result.
List the two alleles; apply dominance; identify antigens and phenotype.; compare the stated alleles and outcome
IAi × IBi can produce AB, A, B or O offspring. This gives a concrete prediction from the stated parental information.
Blood type requires alleles from both parents. Interpret the result within the stated inheritance model and its sample or environmental limits.
This objective is assessed through structured response, commonly using Describe / State / Identify.
Describe / State / Identify / Outline
Build the answer around this relationship: IA and IB are codominant in blood group AB.
Representative question
Describe the inheritance of ABO blood groups.
one gene determines (ABO) blood groups / one gene for ABO blood groups;
genes have different/alternative forms called alleles;
there are three alleles ( IA,IB and i ) of the gene for (ABO) blood groups;
(ABO) blood groups are an example (of the effect of) multiple alleles (in this instance three alleles can result in four phenotypes);
each individual has two alleles of the gene but only one is passed to offspring;
alleles that are codominant both affect the phenotype in a heterozygote;
(alleles) IA and IB are codominant;
(alleles) IA and IB are dominant over i / i is recessive to IA and IB;
(genotypes) IAIA and IAi both give blood group A ;
(genotypes) IBIB and IBi both give blood group B ;
(genotype) IAIB gives blood group AB ;
(genotype) ii/homozygous i gives blood group O;
example of a cross involving ABO blood groups;
Core D3.2 is secure when the student can move from allele rules into predictions and evidence: gametes form genotypes, genotypes can produce phenotypes, different dominance patterns need different notation, and pedigrees or plots require evidence-based interpretation.
Core inheritance exam questions reward disciplined reasoning. First identify the inheritance rule, then write the correct notation or evidence, then state the phenotype, ratio, or conclusion. This prevents the common mistake of writing definitions without solving the genetic problem.