Heterozygosity reduction in children whose parents are closely related

In this study, the impact of consanguineous marriage and inbreeding on heterozygosity was evaluated by comparing levels of heterozygosity in children of closely related parents with those of unrelated parents. Compared to the average expected heterozygosity, the average observed heterozygosity was lower in the children with first-cousin parents. This was not the case in the children with unrelated parents, where an increase in the average observed heterozygosity was noted. Differences in the average heterozygosity between parents-children also observed between related and unrelated parents.
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Source Type: research