Question

Which of the following is true ONLY for linkage analysis, as compared to association studies?

A Families can be used in the analysis
B Makes use of the correlation between recombination and genetic distance
C Recombination events within families can be highly informative in this analysis
D Model-free methods are available
E Can use thousands of markers in the analysis

Answer 1

Linkage analysis is distinct from association studies because it uses families in the analysis and focuses on recombination events within families to explore the correlation between recombination frequency and genetic distance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the differences between linkage analysis and association studies in genetic mapping. Linkage analysis, unlike association studies, makes use of families in the analysis, by considering the recombination events within families, which can be highly informative. It is based on the correlation between recombination frequency and genetic distance, taking advantage of the natural recombination process to map genes on chromosomes. This is a characteristic unique to linkage analysis as it traditionally uses fewer markers compared to association studies that can use thousands of markers. Association studies focus more on correlations between genetic markers and traits in a population.