Question

What is Pedigree analysis? Suggest how such analysis can be useful.

Answer 1

Hint: Pedigree is defined as a record of inheritance of certain traits for two or more generations presented in the form of a diagram or family tree. It is also called case history or genealogy.

Complete answer:
Pedigree analysis involves the study of a particular trait that is inherited from one generation to another. It is the study of a family record for following the inheritance and distribution of certain genetic traits in them.
The pedigree analysis can be useful in many ways like:
Genetic counselors use pedigree analysis to advise intending couples about the probability of having genetic defects in their children.
It is one of the views of genetic study and provides a strong tool utilized to trace the inheritance of specific traits or diseases.
It also provides indications that the Mendelian principles are applicable to human genetics with some modifications.
It reveals whether the DNA is transmitted from one generation to the other without alteration.
It can also help in predicting the characteristics of the future generations of a particular species.
It also helps in finding the presence or absence of a trait in the heterozygous or homozygous state.
It is also used for studying any genetic disorder in domestic animals and pets.

Note: Pedigree analysis was started by Galton. It is represented or drawn with the help of various symbols. It uses two tools:
The first tool is the principle of probability and chances of differences in realized ratio due to the smallness of the progeny.
The second tool is the elimination of alternatives.