What is the primary use of gene mapping?

The primary use of gene mapping is to provide evidence linking diseases to specific genes. Gene mapping involves identifying the location of genes on chromosomes and determining their relationship to various traits or diseases. By establishing links between the genetic makeup and the presence of certain diseases, researchers can better understand the genetic components that contribute to the onset and progression of these conditions.

This information is crucial for developing targeted therapies, understanding disease mechanisms, and potentially guiding preventive measures based on an individual's genetic predisposition. The process of gene mapping also aids in identifying genetic markers that can be useful in screenings or diagnoses.

The other options, while relevant to genetics, serve different purposes. For example, finding all genes in the human genome relates to comprehensive genome sequencing rather than mapping alone. Determining environmental effects on gene expression pertains more to epigenetics and how external factors influence gene activity. Tracking evolutionary changes, although an interesting aspect of genetics, focuses on phylogenetics rather than the specific connections between genes and diseases within the context of mapping.