The haplotype map, or "HapMap," is a tool that allows researchers to find genes and genetic variations that affect health and disease. The DNA sequence of any two people is 99.5 percent identical. The variations, however, may greatly affect an individual's disease risk.

What is the meaning of haplotype?

A haplotype is a group of genes within an organism that was inherited together from a single parent. The word "haplotype" is derived from the word "haploid," which describes cells with only one set of chromosomes, and from the word "genotype," which refers to the genetic makeup of an organism.

What is an example of a haplotype?

Haplotype is a contraction for haploid genotype. It refers to a collection of specific alleles in a cluster of tightly-linked genes. ... A classic example is the cluster of HLA alleles in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Even segments of DNA that lie between genes can be present as specific haplotypes.