What Is The Likelihood Of A Fetus Inheriting The Variant Allele Of The EDAR Gene Associated With East Asian-specific Hair Texture And Morphology, Given That The Mother Is Of Mixed Ancestry With A 25% East Asian And 75% European Genetic Background, And The Father Is Of 100% African Descent, And How Might This Influence The Fetus's Risk Of Developing Certain Congenital Anomalies, Such As Polydactyly Or Craniofacial Dysmorphia?

The likelihood of the fetus inheriting the EDAR variant associated with East Asian hair texture is 43.75%, or 7/16. This calculation is based on the mother's 25% East Asian ancestry and the assumption that the EDAR variant is common in East Asian populations. Since the father is of African descent and the variant is East Asian-specific, he does not contribute this allele.

Regarding congenital anomalies, the EDAR variant in question is associated with normal phenotypic variation in hair texture and is not a pathogenic mutation. Therefore, inheriting this variant is unlikely to significantly influence the risk of developing polydactyly or craniofacial dysmorphia. The fetus's risk for these conditions remains typical unless other genetic or environmental factors are present.

Answer:

The fetus has a 43.75% chance of inheriting the EDAR variant associated with East Asian hair texture. This inheritance is unlikely to increase the risk of congenital anomalies such as polydactyly or craniofacial dysmorphia, as the variant is linked to normal hair texture variation rather than pathogenic effects.