The set of allele values across a set of genetic markers is known as a(n) _______.
Y-STR analysis
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Question 3
3.
Do all of the males in this pedigree have the same Y-chromosome? Explain.
Maternal ancestry can be traced using DNA from the mitochondria, an organelle found in the cell’s cytoplasm, responsible for cellular respiration. Only the mother passes mtDNA to her offspring since the mother’s egg cell typically supplies all cellular organelles and cytoplasm to the offspring. Due to the low rate of mutation, the mtDNA is consistent generation after generation.
Refer to the pedigree chart in Figure 7-15. Females are represented by circles. Note that the top female passes on her mtDNA to her five offspring, her three sons and her two daughters. Only the daughters can pass on mtDNA to their offspring in the next generation.
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Question 4
4.
Why do only some of the grandchildren in this pedigree share mtDNA with their grandmother?
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Question 5
5.
When analyzing mtDNA, DNA analysts focus on __________.
Familial Searching Case Study: The "Grim Sleeper"
Nicknamed “The Grim Sleeper,” a Los Angeles serial killer later identified as Lonnie David Franklin Jr. managed to hide from the police for more than 25 years. He acquired the nickname because between 1985 and 2007, his crimes were committed interspersed with long periods of inactivity. Using the DNA of the killer found on the victims, investigators conducted an initial search of the CODIS database of convicted killers. The search of the evidence DNA did not turn up a hit. More killings started again in 2002, but no suspect was identified. The case was reopened in 2008 when California became the first state to authorize familial searching of CODIS for partial matches. Familial searching permitted scientists to look for partial “matches” to the killer’s DNA and the DNA in the file of convicted offenders. The familial search found a 50 percent match with Lonnie David Franklin Jr.’s son, Christopher Franklin, whose DNA was in CODIS due to an earlier felony weapons charge. Because the markers on the Y chromosome of Christopher’s DNA were consistent with those on the Y chromosome of “The Grim Sleeper,” the investigators began focusing on Lonnie David Franklin Jr. A law-enforcement officer posed as a waiter at a pizza restaurant and obtained DNA evidence from Lonnie’s utensils and a partially eaten slice of pizza. The evidence DNA was consistent with the killer’s DNA. In 2010, the Grim Sleeper was arrested and convicted. Familial searching of CODIS helped the police identify the killer and put a stop to the murders.
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Question 6
6.
Not a graded response.
After reading the case study list 1 pros and 1 cons of familial searching.
SNPs - single nucleotide polymorphisms
*To be considered an SNP, the single-base substitution must occur within at least 1 percent of the population.
