Statistical genetics
Statistical Genetics
Statistical genetics is a branch of genetics that deals with the application of statistical methods to genetic data, particularly to the study of genetic variation and its role in inherited traits and diseases.
Pronunciation: /stəˈtɪstɪkəl dʒɪˈnɛtɪks/
Etymology: The term "statistical genetics" is a combination of the words "statistics", from the Latin statista meaning "statesman" or "politician" (since statistics were originally used by states for political purposes), and "genetics", from the Greek genetikos meaning "genitive" and genesis meaning "origin".
Definition
Statistical genetics involves the use of statistical models and methods to understand and interpret genetic data. This includes the study of gene frequency and distribution, genetic variation, genetic linkage, and the identification of genetic markers associated with specific traits or diseases.
Related Terms
- Genetic Variation: The difference in DNA sequence among individuals, groups, or populations.
- Genetic Linkage: The tendency of genes that are located proximate to each other on a chromosome to be inherited together.
- Genetic Markers: A gene or DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome that can be used to identify individuals or species.
- Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS): An observational study of a genome-wide set of genetic variants in different individuals to see if any variant is associated with a trait.
- Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL): A section of DNA (the locus) which correlates with variation in a phenotype (the quantitative trait).
Applications
Statistical genetics is used in a variety of fields, including medicine, biology, agriculture, and forensic science. In medicine, it is used to identify genes associated with diseases and to develop genetic tests. In agriculture, it is used to improve crop and livestock breeding programs. In forensic science, it is used to identify individuals based on their genetic profiles.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Statistical genetics
- Wikipedia's article - Statistical genetics
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