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Taste sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide in Turkey
1Department of Genetics and Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University.
Gene Geography : a Computerized Bulletin on Human Gene Frequencies
|August 1, 1987
Summary
This study examined phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) tasting ability in 366 Turkish medical students. PTC non-taster incidence was higher in males (12.9%) than females (7.78%), with an overall non-taster frequency of 11.2%.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Human Physiology
- Population Studies
Background:
- Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) tasting is a well-known human genetic trait.
- Variations in PTC tasting ability exist across different populations.
- Understanding these variations can provide insights into population genetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) non-tasters among Turkish medical students.
- To calculate the t gene frequency in this specific population group.
- To compare PTC tasting ability between male and female students.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 366 Turkish medical students participated in the study.
- Participants were assessed for their ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC).
- Incidence of non-tasters and t gene frequency were calculated for males, females, and the combined group.
Main Results:
- The overall frequency of PTC non-tasters in the study group was 11.2%.
- Females exhibited a non-taster incidence of 7.78% with a t gene frequency of 0.279.
- Males showed a higher non-taster incidence of 12.9% with a t gene frequency of 0.359.
Conclusions:
- The study established the frequency of PTC non-tasters and t gene frequency in Turkish medical students.
- A significant difference in PTC tasting ability was observed between males and females in this cohort.
- These findings contribute to the understanding of PTC genetic trait distribution in Turkish populations.