Genetic association
Genetic association
Genetic association (/dʒɪˈnɛtɪk əˈsoʊʃiˈeɪʃən/) is a term used in genetics to describe a statistical relationship between genotypes and phenotypes. This association can be used to identify genes that may contribute to a specific disease.
Etymology
The term "genetic association" is derived from the English words "genetic", meaning related to genes or heredity, and "association", meaning a connection or relationship between two or more things.
Definition
In the context of genetics, an association refers to the occurrence of a particular allele more frequently with a specific phenotype or disease state than would be expected by chance alone. Genetic association studies aim to test for a non-random association between a phenotype and genetic markers dispersed throughout the genome.
Types of Genetic Association Studies
There are two main types of genetic association studies: genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene studies. GWAS examine the entire genome, while candidate gene studies focus on specific genes thought to be involved in the disease process.
Importance
Genetic association studies are crucial in understanding the genetic basis of complex diseases. They can help identify genetic variants that influence the risk of developing a disease, which can lead to improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Genetic association
- Wikipedia's article - Genetic association
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