Question

Suggest how pedigree analysis can be useful?

Answer 1

1. It is beneficial for genetic counsellors to advise prospective couples of the likelihood of having children with genetic disorders such as haemophilia, colour blindness, alkaptonuria, phenylketonuria, thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia (recessive traits), brachydactyly, and syndactyly (dominant traits).
2. Pedigree analysis shows that Mendel’s ideas are relevant to human genetics, with later discoveries such as quantitative inheritance, sex-linked traits, and other connections.
3. It can suggest the genesis of a characteristic in forebears; for example, haemophilia appeared in Queen Victoria and spread throughout Europe’s royal dynasties through marriage.
4. It is helpful to understand the probability that a recessive allele will cause a condition in the progeny, such as thalassemia, muscular dystrophy, or haemophilia.
5. It can suggest the potential harm that a marriage between close relatives could cause.
6. It can help determine whether a recessive or dominant gene is responsible for a genetic condition.
7. In certain situations, it may be useful to identify the genotypes of unborn children.