Congenic

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In genetics, two organisms that differ in one locus are defined as congenic^[1].

[edit] Recombinant Congenic Mice strains

Recombinant congenic mice are generated in the laboratory by mating two inbred strains, and backcrossing the descendants a number of generations with one of the original strains, known as the recipient strain. Conversely, the strain that contributes the smallest amount of genetic material is termed the donor strain. Recombinant congenic (RC) strains are used for the study of genetic disease^[2].

Normally, a strain with a phenotype linked to an unknown genetic locus will be used as donor strain on a healthy recipient strain. Mice displaying the diseased phenotype will be giving clues as to which part of the donor genome is the responsible for the disease.