[exDemMom]

Years ago, when I was a resident (physician) I was called upon to help resolve a paternity suit.

We explained the ABO system and how the man could not be the father of the child because his blood type was AB, his wife's was A, and the child's was O.

The man registered doubt and then said: "If that's true, how come my mother's blood type is A, my father's O, and mine is AB?

Ouch.

I do recall learning in genetics class about the Bombay blood type, which can cause anomolous blood typing results. However, I'd have to find a better explanation than that in Wikipedia of the genetics involved before saying that there is a remote possibility that the man you mentioned actually is related to the people he thinks are his child and his father.

[Savage Beast]

I know that must be what happened. We owe him an apology. In fact, we owe the whole family an apology.

But in my defense, I was quite young and had never been to Bombay. Also I think I slept through that part of the genetics lecture. I'm glad you didn't. Thanks! ~S

[Savage Beast]

Oh. And speaking of genetics, the difference between an X-chromosome and a Y-chromosome is that the Y just has one of those little leg-things and the X has two. Whatever's on that second leg-thing is important!

I think that's why you didn't snooze through genetics class.

~S