Genetic variations in serum proteins in relation to diseases.

In general, serum protein patterns, as identified by their relative mobility during electrophoresis and chromatography, can be used to a considerable extent in identifying different disease states. There is no change in the basic pattern controlled at the gene level, however. The relative size and intensities of the bands can be taken as diagnostic characters, particularly in disease conditions where the substrate or the end products of the gene are affected. The correlation of any particular genotype with a particular disease is rare, as is expected, since any established genotype will presumably not lead to major defects or lethality.