linkage user's guide (version 5.2)


1.0 Overview

The core of the LINKAGE package is a series of programs for maximum likelihood estimation of recombination rates, calculation of lod score tables, and analysis of genetic risks. The analysis programs are divided into two groups. The first group can be used for general pedigrees with marker and disease loci. Programs in the second group are for three-generation families and codominant marker loci, and are primarily intended for the construction of genetic maps from data on reference families.

The input to the LINKAGE programs is divided into pedigree and genotypic data, on the one hand; and locus description, recombination rates, and gene order, on the other. The pedigree and genotypic data must be processed prior to analysis by a series of preparatory programs that accompany the analytic programs in the LINKAGE package.

The LINKAGE package contains additional control programs that provide a "shell," or interface, to facilitate the use of the analytic programs. The control programs are not described here.


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