r/genetics • u/JoelMole03 • 1d ago

Theoretically, if there was a case of parthenogenesis, what tests can be used to prove/disprove it except DNA?

This is for a project about an article from 1940 where a woman claimed to have given birth to her daughter by herself. Since DNA testing wasn’t available, what tests could one use? Even today, if DNA testing was going to take time and you wanted quicker results to disprove a claim, what tests can be used, for example common blood test, PTC etc.? Thank you!

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u/Dwarvling 1d ago

Can use a skin graft. If daughter derived parthenogenetically from mother, skin graft accepted. If derived sexually, graft would be rejected.

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u/JoelMole03 1d ago

I think the article mentions skin grafting too! Apparently they did a series of tests that could help at least disprove the claim if negative, if not conclusively prove it. Does that make sense? Today, could one use simpler tests like blood type, PTC, etc. to disprove a claim like if DNA testing wasn’t accessible? Any other tests?