What are genetic markers used for?

Genetic markers play a crucial role in identifying traits or disease susceptibility because they are specific sequences in the genome that can be associated with certain phenotypic characteristics or health conditions. These markers can be used in a variety of applications, including genetic mapping, population studies, and personalized medicine.

For instance, in the context of disease susceptibility, researchers may look for specific genetic variations (such as single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) that are more prevalent in individuals who develop a particular condition. By correlating these genetic markers with health outcomes, scientists can better understand the genetic basis of diseases, which can lead to improved strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

In contrast, other choices focus on different areas of molecular biology. The identification of proteins in metabolomics pertains to metabolic processes rather than genetic traits. Analyzing RNA expression levels relates to gene activity rather than genetic markers used for trait association. Tracking protein folding mechanisms involves understanding the physical structure of proteins, which is distinct from genetic markers that are rooted in DNA-sequence variations. Thus, the primary utility of genetic markers is in their ability to correlate directly with traits or disease susceptibility.