Category: Genetic Diseases

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Complex/Linkage Traits

  Inheritance and linkage between traits are somewhat related. Linked genes are considered genes that are close together on the same chromosome. This close distance allows them to not be sorted independently and to be either inherited together or not at all. Certain traits you inherit can come in pairs; for example red hair and blue … Continue reading Complex/Linkage Traits

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Epigenetics

  Epigenetics deals with environmental influences on a person’s DNA. These influences can lead to developmental problems and disease. Those who study epigenetics examine the chemical reactions that “activate and deactivate the genome” and possible influences upon these reactions. Changes in gene expression occur during development and are important to differentiation. When genes are turned on … Continue reading Epigenetics

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Autosomal Diseases: Recessive and Dominant

  An autosomal disease is where one of the 22 non-sex chromosomes are affected by a mutation in the DNA. The inheritance of this disease can be either dominant or recessive. If it is dominant, it means that you only need the “bad gene” from one parent in order to be affected. If it is … Continue reading Autosomal Diseases: Recessive and Dominant

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Gender Linked Diseases

Gender linked diseases affect both genders, but tend to be more common in males than females. While females can be carriers and still unaffected by a disease, males can only be infected or normal. These types of genetic diseases are due to defective sex chromosomes and are completely separate from other types of genetic diseases. … Continue reading Gender Linked Diseases

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The Ethics of Genetics Debate

  There is much debate about the ethics of genetics. Different opinions and views are the reasons why there is not just one correct answer. Our genetic diseases class had an ethics debate on our first day to get a feel for what we think. By analyzing different statements, we would decide whether we agreed with them or … Continue reading The Ethics of Genetics Debate