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Epigenetic changes

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) has over 15 known genes (most likely in a some kind of pathway) that can cause the disease phenotype: a progressive degeneration of nervous system function. This is an example of:

The following pedigree is for BRAC2 mutation on chromosome 13. Based on your understanding of inheritance, is it dominant or recessive. What is the probability the III-1 (arrow) inherited the BRAC2 mutation? Note: filled in circles represent known cancer victims with the BRAC2 allele. Does inheriting BRAC2 non-functional allele actually cause cancer? Justify your answer.  

1. Explain how a child could have 3 parents. (2 points max) 2. Summarize 1 of the 2 new studies recently published that use pedigrees as a part of their methods. (2 points max) Note: the maximum points you can receive on the exam is 75 points.    

The nucleus of a cell houses all of the genetic material in a cell.

If the probability of a mother inheriting a disease allele from her parents is 1/2 and the probability that she passes it to her child is 1/4. The chance the child will inherit the allele is 3/4. Assume the males are homozygous normal.

Humans display a tremendous amount of variation. It has been postulated that ‘no 2 humans are identical [except twins].’ What are two (of the three) ways human genetic variation is increased? Be sure to explain exactly how variation is increased.

Explain why the Golden State Killer case is controversial. Propose a way IGG (investigative genetic genealogy) could/should be used by law enforcement. 

In humans, a major gene controls a characteristic of red blood cells called the ABO blood type.  Use the symbols IA, IB and i to write the possible genotypes of: A. A woman with Type A blood ________________ B. A man with Type AB blood ________________ C. A man with Type O blood ________________ D. What kind of antibodies (immune cell proteins) does a person with Type B blood have? E. A woman with type O blood has a child with type A blood. What are the possible blood types of the father?

______________________ is when one gene can have many different phenotypes.