What discoveries in genetics have led to the realization that genetic mapping is

Question

What discoveries in genetics have led to the realization that genetic mapping is not quite as simple as genes being linked or not? List two in your answer and explain how they added layers to our current understanding of mapping and gene expression. An example is epigenetics, the field of genetics that tracks expression based on environmental factors. Someone might carry two closely associated ("linked") genes, but one's expression is modified by environmental factors, making interpretation of whether they (genes) behave according to Mendelian principles difficult. Provide two more examples and list why you think they have made studying gene linkage somewhat tricky.

Explanation / Answer

- Genetic mapping is not merely as simple as genes being linked or not. It is also called linkage mapping and often offer firm evidence that a disease transmitted from a parent to child is linked to one or more genes.

- Discoveries such as successful identification of genes responsible for relatively rare disorders namely single gene disorders cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy provide examples how they added layers to our current understanding of mapping and gene expression.

- Epigenetics can be passed from one generation to other and often are inherited, following the basic Mendelian principles. But sometimes these are often influenced by the external factors (environmental).

- Environmental factors namely chemical pollutants, dietary components, temperature changes and external stress factors often alter the epigenetic modification such as DNA methylation, histone mofifications and microRNAs resulting in long lasting effects on the cells.

- In case of diseases such as Diabetes, cancer, it is scientifically proven that epigentic factors and environmental factors are influcing the disease making gene linkage study tricky and challenging.

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