Computer analyses in genetic epidemiology.

There are several levels of organization in the study of genetics. In ascending order, these levels are DNA, genes, cells, individuals, and populations. Investigation at the DNA level, particularly using recombinant DNA techniques, is the fastest growing area. The gene and cell levels involve chromosomes and Biochemistry;. At the highest levels of organization, that of the individual and populations, techniques of Mathematics; and statistics are used to infer genetic structure and gene expression form observations in individuals. The study is concerned with these latter two levels in which inference is made on individuals within pedigrees.