Locating and Identifying Genes for Human Traits

How do computers help identify genes?

Algorithms analyze DNA and protein sequences to predict gene coding regions, protein functions, and evolutionary relationships.

Is biological complexity directly related to gene number?

No — organisms with fewer genes can still have complex biology due to gene regulation and alternative splicing.

What are the three main inheritance patterns for human diseases/traits?

Autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked recessive.

How can human disease genes be mapped?

By studying co-segregation of traits with known genome markers.

Give examples of autosomal recessive diseases.

Sickle-cell disease, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria (PKU), Tay-Sachs disease.

Give examples of autosomal dominant diseases.

Huntington’s disease, familial hypercholesterolemia.

Give examples of X-linked recessive diseases.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy, hemophilia A.