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Ch. 5 - Chromosome Mapping in Eukaryotes
Klug - Concepts of Genetics  12th Edition
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 5, Problem 25

DNA markers have greatly enhanced the mapping of genes in humans. What are DNA markers, and what advantage do they confer?

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1
Understand that DNA markers are specific sequences in the genome that can be easily identified and tracked across generations. They serve as landmarks on chromosomes.
Recognize that DNA markers are often polymorphic, meaning they vary between individuals, which makes them useful for distinguishing different genetic regions.
Learn that DNA markers do not necessarily have to be genes themselves; they can be any identifiable DNA sequence such as microsatellites or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Explore how DNA markers help in gene mapping by allowing researchers to track the inheritance of nearby genes through linkage analysis, even if the gene itself is not directly observable.
Identify the advantage of DNA markers as they enable more precise and efficient mapping of genes associated with traits or diseases, speeding up the discovery process and improving genetic studies.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA Markers

DNA markers are specific sequences in the genome that vary among individuals and can be easily identified. They serve as landmarks on chromosomes, helping researchers track the inheritance of nearby genes. Common types include microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
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Gene Mapping

Gene mapping involves determining the location of genes on chromosomes. DNA markers facilitate this by acting as reference points, allowing scientists to associate particular markers with traits or diseases through linkage analysis.
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Advantages of DNA Markers in Genetics

DNA markers provide a precise and efficient way to identify genetic variations linked to diseases or traits. They enable high-resolution mapping, reduce reliance on phenotypic traits, and accelerate the discovery of gene-disease associations.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

An organism of the genotype AaBbCc was testcrossed to a triply recessive organism (aabbcc). The genotypes of the progeny are presented in the following table.

What can you conclude from the actual data about the location of the three genes in relation to one another?

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Textbook Question

Based on our discussion of the potential inaccuracy of mapping, would you revise your answer to Problem 22? If so, how?

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Textbook Question

Traditional gene mapping has been applied successfully to a variety of organisms including yeast, fungi, maize, and Drosophila. However, human gene mapping has only recently shared a similar spotlight. What factors have delayed the application of traditional gene-mapping techniques in humans?

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Textbook Question

In a certain plant, fruit is either red or yellow, and fruit shape is either oval or long. Red and oval are the dominant traits. Two plants, both heterozygous for these traits, were testcrossed, with the following results.

Determine the location of the genes relative to one another and the genotypes of the two parental plants.

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Textbook Question

Two plants in a cross were each heterozygous for two gene pairs (Ab/aB) whose loci are linked and 25 mu apart. Assuming that crossing over occurs during the formation of both male and female gametes and that the A and B alleles are dominant, determine the phenotypic ratio of their offspring.

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Textbook Question

A number of human–mouse somatic cell hybrid clones were examined for the expression of specific human genes and the presence of human chromosomes. The results are summarized in the following table. Assign each gene to the chromosome on which it is located.

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