LINKERS: a simulation programming system for generating populations with genetic structure.

Significant features are described of a Monte Carlo simulation system, LINKERS, that generates nuclear family data conforming to one locus and two loci genetic models. Software engineering techniques help to produce a user friendly environment for studies of genetic ascertainment. LINKERS' 39 code modules are maintained and optimized using VAXset. Within a VAX/VMS workstation environment LINKERS generates a useful population of 10,000 families in 1 min. An example is presented to illustrate the use of LINKERS. Generated data were analysed using the segregation program POINTER. Likelihood ratio tests showed the effects of multiple alleles, gene frequency and incorrect specification of disease prevalence.