Question

Write any two uses of pedigree study in human genetics.

Answer 1

Pedigrees are charts or trees which are used to represent the history of the family. The phenotypes and genotype of the individuals are described using symbols for unaffected, carrier and affected individuals. The uses of the pedigree analysis are as follows:

1) The type of inheritance pattern in the family can be studied with respect to particular trait or the disease which is carried on to next generation.

2) The inheritance pattern from the parents to offsprings can be studied.

3) This analysis helps to find the recessive and dominant type of traits.