What is pedigree analysis? Suggest how such an analysis can be useful.

(N/A) Pedigree analysis is a record of the occurrence of a trait in several generations of a family. It is based on the fact that certain characteristic features are heritable in a family,for example,eye colour,skin colour,hair form and colour,and other facial characteristics. Along with these features,there are other genetic disorders such as Mendelian disorders that are inherited in a family,generation after generation. Hence,by using pedigree analysis for the study of specific traits or disorders,generation after generation,it is possible to trace the pattern of inheritance. In this analysis,the inheritance of a trait is represented as a tree,called a family tree. Genetic counselors use pedigree charts for the analysis of various traits and diseases in a family and predict their inheritance patterns. It is useful in preventing hemophilia,sickle cell anemia,and other genetic disorders in future generations.