ABSTRACT
The inheritance of numerous genetic risk factors for human and plant diseases as well as biotic and abiotic stress susceptibility phenotypes are well established [1-6]. Particular DNA mutations and their mechanistic effect on the timing, level, or quality of gene expression produce the risk of disease. Thus, a clear cause-and-effect relationship is established between the inherited aberrant genotype and the risk phenotype (that is, the increased chance or certainty of presenting a disease).
