Question

Twin studies are used as a way to separate genetic effects from confounding by which of the following factors?

A Epigenetics
B X inactivation
C Heteroplasmy
D Environment
E Somatic mutation

Answer 1

Twin studies aim to differentiate genetic effects from environmental influences by comparing identical twins, who share the same genetic information but may be exposed to different environments.

Step-by-step explanation:

Twin studies are often used in genetics research to help distinguish the influence of genetics from environmental factors on individual traits. These studies take advantage of the fact that identical twins have the same genetic makeup but can be exposed to different environments. The question focuses on what twin studies help separate genetic effects from, and the correct answer is D. Environment. While epigenetics, X inactivation, heteroplasmy, and somatic mutation are interesting genetic phenomena, it is indeed the environmental effects that twin studies aim to disentangle from genetic influences. This allows researchers to better understand how the same genotype can result in different phenotypes due to environmental interactions.