Question

Linkage analysis a. is limited by its exclusive use of restriction fragment length polymorphisms b. utilizes co-inheritance of a region of the genome with the disease locus to which it is "linked" c. has the advantage of always identifying causative mutations d. all of the above e. none of the above

Short answer

Answer: Linkage analysis utilizes co-inheritance of a region of the genome with the disease locus to which it is "linked."

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Option A

Option A states that linkage analysis is limited by its exclusive use of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). This statement is false because, although RFLPs were initially widely used in linkage analysis, other types of genetic markers such as microsatellites, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and copy number variations (CNVs) can also be used in linkage analysis.

Analyze Option B

Option B states that linkage analysis utilizes co-inheritance of a region of the genome with the disease locus to which it is "linked." This statement is true. Linkage analysis is used to map the location of a disease-causing gene by studying the inheritance of genetic markers in families with the disease. By identifying the genetic markers that are consistently co-inherited with the disease, researchers can pinpoint the location of the disease locus on a chromosome.

Analyze Option C

Option C states that linkage analysis has the advantage of always identifying causative mutations. This statement is false. While linkage analysis can help to narrow down the genomic region containing a disease-causing gene, it does not necessarily identify the specific causative mutation. Additional experiments, such as DNA sequencing or gene expression studies, might be required to pinpoint the exact mutation responsible for the disease.

Analyze Options D and E

Option D states that all of the statements (A, B, and C) are correct, and option E states that none of the statements are correct. Since we already determined that option B is true, option E is false. Additionally, since not all statements are true, option D is also false.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the given statements, the correct answer for this exercise is option B: Linkage analysis utilizes co-inheritance of a region of the genome with the disease locus to which it is "linked."