For example, an unknown modifier associated with specific mouse genetic backgrounds can alter the penetrance of an allele (called disorganization), which causes birth defects.

This makes the small allele the ancestral allele — a trait that stems from the common ancestor of canids. However, “what it was doing before 53,000 years ago, we have no idea,” Ostrander said.

For example, being heterozygous for hair color could mean you have one allele for red hair and one allele for brown hair. The relationship between the two alleles affects which traits are expressed.

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba designed a software program called DAJIN that effectively identifies both intended and off-target genomic mutations at sites close to and far away from ...

There are other potential concerns associated with mutation breeding; for example, the National Research Council noted in a 2004 report that the process is not regulated for food or environmental ...