In the United States, susceptibility to scrapie is determined primarily by genotyping which codon of the prion protein gene?

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Multiple Choice

In the United States, susceptibility to scrapie is determined primarily by genotyping which codon of the prion protein gene?

Explanation:
Genotyping the prion protein gene at codon 171 is the most informative test for scrapie susceptibility in US sheep. Variation at this position changes the amino acid: arginine at 171 is linked to resistance to scrapie, while glutamine at 171 is linked to greater susceptibility. Because this single codon has a strong, well-established impact on disease risk, it serves as the primary genetic marker used in screening and breeding programs. Other listed proteins or genes (amyloid A, hemoglobin, or lipoprotein A) do not have a proven link to scrapie susceptibility, so they don’t inform risk in the same way.

Genotyping the prion protein gene at codon 171 is the most informative test for scrapie susceptibility in US sheep. Variation at this position changes the amino acid: arginine at 171 is linked to resistance to scrapie, while glutamine at 171 is linked to greater susceptibility. Because this single codon has a strong, well-established impact on disease risk, it serves as the primary genetic marker used in screening and breeding programs. Other listed proteins or genes (amyloid A, hemoglobin, or lipoprotein A) do not have a proven link to scrapie susceptibility, so they don’t inform risk in the same way.

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