Genetic linkage studies rely upon
A) the identification of environmental factors that relate to a particular psychiatric disorder that runs in families.
B) the identification of genetic markers that can be linked to the occurrence of a disorder within the general population.
C) the identification of genetic markers that can be linked to the occurrence of a disorder within extended families.
D) the identification of environmental factors that relate to a particular psychiatric disorder within the general population.
E) the identification of several genes within a single person that combine to produce a particular psychiatric disorder.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic linkage studies rely on the identification of genetic markers that are inherited with a particular disorder within extended families. By studying the inheritance pattern of these markers, researchers can determine the location of specific genes that may be related to the disorder. This information can then be used to develop genetic tests and to better understand the genetic basis of the disorder. Option A is incorrect as this approach focuses on environmental factors, which is not the main focus of genetic linkage studies. Option B is incorrect as genetic markers are usually identified in families before they can be applied to the general population. Option D is also incorrect as the identification of environmental factors is not the main focus of genetic linkage studies. Option E is incorrect as the current understanding of psychiatric disorders suggests that they are typically caused by the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors, not by a single gene.

Genetic Linkage Studies Rely Upon