Suppose that, using linkage analysis, a researcher finds that family members with a high likelihood of developing depression also are very likely to be of below average height. This would mean ________
A) being short is a contributory factor for depression.
B) the gene for depression is probably located near the gene for height.
C) height and depression are probably caused by the same gene.
D) having depression causes people not to grow as tall as they would if they didn't have depression.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Linkage analysis is a technique used to identify the location of genes in the chromosomes based on their co-inheritance with other genes. If family members with a high likelihood of depression are also very likely to be of below average height, it means that the genes for depression and height are located close to each other on the same chromosome. This does not necessarily mean that the same gene causes both traits, but rather indicates that they are linked. Therefore, option B is the most likely explanation for this observation. The other options are not supported by the information given in the question.

Suppose That, Using Linkage Analysis, a Researcher Finds That Family