If the concordance rate for alcoholism were 50 percent among identical twins, which of the following would be true?
A) If you inherit the gene that encodes alcoholism, you will develop alcoholism.
B) If there is no alcoholism in your family, you will never develop a problem with alcoholism.
C) If your father suffers from alcoholism, you will not develop the problem as long as he is not involved in raising you.
D) If your twin struggles with alcoholism, you have an increased chance of having the same problem, but ultimately whether you do is also influenced by environmental factors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A concordance rate of 50 percent among identical twins indicates that genetics play a significant role in the development of alcoholism, but environmental factors also play a role. Therefore, if your twin struggles with alcoholism, you have an increased chance of having the same problem, but your ultimate likelihood of developing alcoholism is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Choice A is incorrect because inheriting a gene does not guarantee the development of alcoholism. Choice B is incorrect because environmental factors can also lead to the development of alcoholism. Choice C is incorrect because the involvement of a father with alcoholism in raising a child may increase the risk of developing alcoholism, but it is not a determining factor.

If the Concordance Rate for Alcoholism Were 50 Percent Among