Your genes, chromosomes and DNA Your body is made up of trillions of cells. Each cell has a core structure (nucleus) that contains your chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of tightly coiled strands of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). These changes in your DNA can result in genetic disorders.
(October 2008). A genetic disorder is a genetic problem caused by one or more abnormalities in the genome, especially a condition that is present from birth (congenital). Most genetic disorders are quite rare and affect one person in every several thousands or millions. Genetic disorders may or may not be heritable, i.e., passed down from the parents' genes. In non-heritable genetic disorders, defects may be caused by new mutations or changes to the DNA. In such cases, the defect will only be heritable if it occurs in the germ line Some disorders that affect multiple family members are caused by gene mutations, which can be inherited (passed down from parent to child). Other conditions that appear to run in families are not caused by mutations in single genes. Penetrance refers to the proportion of people with a particular genetic change (such as a mutation in a specific gene) who exhibit signs and symptoms of a genetic disorder. If some people with the mutation do not develop features of the disorder, the condition is said to have reduced (or incomplete) penetrance. A family medical history can identify people with a higher-than-usual chance of having common disorders, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers, and diabetes. These complex disorders are influenced by a combination of genetic factors, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices. Penetrance refers to the proportion of people with a particular genetic change (such as a mutation in a specific gene) who exhibit signs and symptoms of a genetic disorder. If some people with the mutation do not develop features of the disorder, the condition is said to have reduced (or incomplete) penetrance. When a genetic disorder is diagnosed in a family, family members often want to know the likelihood that they or their children will develop the condition. This can be difficult to predict in some cases because many factors influence a person’s chances of developing a genetic condition. Penetrance refers to the proportion of people with a particular genetic change (such as a mutation in a specific gene) who exhibit signs and symptoms of a genetic disorder. If some people with the mutation do not develop features of the disorder, the condition is said to have reduced (or incomplete) penetrance. Genetic mutations. Genetic mutations occur when DNA changes, altering the genetic instructions. This may result in a genetic disorder or a change in characteristics. Mutations can be caused by exposure to specific chemicals or radiation. For example, cigarette smoke is full of chemicals that attack and damage DNA. This causes mutations in lung cell genes, including the ones that control growth. Slide show: How genetic disorders are inherited. Previous Next 1 of 6 Your genes, chromosomes and DNA Your body is made up of trillions of cells. Each cell has a core structure (nucleus) that contains your chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of tightly coiled strands of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). These changes in your DNA can result in genetic disorders. A mutation is a change in your DNA. A gene mutation is a change in or damage to a gene. A mutation can be inherited or acquired during your lifetime as cells age or are exposed to certain chemicals. These changes in your DNA can result in genetic disorders. Your body is made up of trillions of cells. Each cell has a core structure (nucleus) that contains your chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of tightly coiled strands of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Sex-Linked Disorder: A genetic disorder caused by a defective gene or genes that are located on the sex chromosomes. Sperm: A cell produced in the male testes that can fertilize a female egg. Trimesters: The three 3-month periods into which pregnancy is divided. Screening tests assess the risk that a baby will be born with a specific birth defect or genetic disorder. Diagnostic tests can detect if a specific birth defect or genetic disorder is present in the fetus. An inherited disorder is caused by defective genes that can be passed down by parents to their children. Defective genes can occur on any of the chromosomes. A genetic disorder can be autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or sex linked. Screening tests assess the risk that a baby will be born with a specific birth defect or genetic disorder. Diagnostic tests can detect if a specific birth defect or genetic disorder is present in the fetus.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_disorder http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/inheritance?show=all http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/inheritance?show=all http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/inheritance?show=all http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Genetics/Pages/Facts.aspx http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/genetic-testing/multimedia/genetic-disorders/sls-20076216 http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/genetic-testing/multimedia/genetic-disorders/sls-20076216 http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Genetic-Disorders http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Genetic-Disorders
how is genetic disorder inherited