Question

Stalk-eyed flies are so named because their eyes are situated at the end of long stalks extending away from their head. Stalk length is a quantitative trait that is variable in populations. Describe the steps you would need to take to find quantitative trait loci linked to differences in eye stalk length.

a) Conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS)
b) Select individuals with extreme trait values for genetic analysis
c) Analyze genetic markers in the population
d) Correlate genomic data with trait variation

Answer 1

To find quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to differences in eye stalk length in stalk-eyed flies, you can conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS), select individuals with extreme trait values for genetic analysis, analyze genetic markers in the population, and correlate genomic data with trait variation.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to find quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to differences in eye stalk length in stalk-eyed flies, the following steps can be taken:

1. Conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic markers associated with eye stalk length variation.
2. Select individuals with extreme trait values for genetic analysis to create a high and low eye stalk length group.
3. Analyze genetic markers in the population using techniques such as DNA sequencing or genotyping.
4. Correlate genomic data with trait variation to identify QTL linked to eye stalk length.