Cosegregation

Cosegregation is a term used in genetics to describe the simultaneous transmission of two or more genetic markers from a parent to an offspring. This process is often used in genetic studies to determine the likelihood that two markers are located near each other on the same chromosome.

Overview

In genetics, cosegregation refers to the tendency of genetic markers, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to be inherited together because they are located near each other on the same chromosome. This is a fundamental concept in the field of genetic linkage analysis, which is used to map the location of genes on chromosomes.

Cosegregation is often used in genetic studies to determine the likelihood that two markers are located near each other on the same chromosome. This can be particularly useful in the study of genetic diseases, as it can help to identify the genes that are responsible for these conditions.

Genetic Linkage

Genetic linkage is the principle that genes located close together on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together. This is due to the fact that during meiosis, the process of cell division that produces gametes, chromosomes are broken and recombined in a process known as crossing over. The closer two genes are to each other on the chromosome, the less likely they are to be separated during crossing over, and thus the more likely they are to be inherited together.

Cosegregation in Genetic Studies

In genetic studies, cosegregation analysis is often used to determine the likelihood that two genetic markers are located near each other on the same chromosome. This is done by studying the inheritance patterns of these markers in families with a history of a particular genetic disease. If the markers are found to cosegregate with the disease in these families, this suggests that they are located near the gene that causes the disease on the chromosome.

See Also

• Genetic linkage
• Genetic markers
• Single nucleotide polymorphisms
• Meiosis
• Crossing over

References

Cosegregation Resources
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