Genetic DisordersBy; Robin Doak

IntroductionA genetic disorder

occurs when a person’s genes aren’t working properly.

Genes contain instructions that tell the cells in your body how to grow.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder.

Understanding Genetic DisordersScientists have

found more than 4,000 types of genetic disorders.

Heredity is the passing of genes from parent to child.

Some genetic disorders can cause infant death.

Learning more about genetic disorderIn the early 1900s,

scientists began to understand heredity.

Smoking increases the chances of becoming ill.

If you inherited cancer from your parents doesn’t mean you will develop cancer.

Gene mappingHuman have forty-

six chromosomes.Scientists use gene

mapping to find out more about genetic disorders.

In 1990, scientists started to map human DNA.

Common Genetic DisordersAbnormal

chromosomes cause genetic disorders.

The X chromosome helps determine which gender a person will be.

Females have two X chromosomes.

Mutated Gene Disorders Marfan syndrome is

caused by a single mutated gene on chromosome fifteen.

Some mutated genes cause hemophilia.

Hemophilia affects the blood’s ability to clot normally.

Sickle Cell AnemiaIt causes hard,

sticky, sickle-shaped blood cells.

Sickle cell anemia is painful and life threatening.

The disease is caused by an abnormal type of hemogoblin.

Cystic FibrosisWith this disease

people died young.It disrupts the

functions of several organs.

Americans with CF live to be thirty or older.

Treating and Preventing Genetic Disorders

Most genetic disorders are not curable.

Most common are blood infusions or medicines.

People suffering from hemophilia receive injections to help their blood cot.

Gene TherapyGene therapy is the

adding or deleting of genes to cure genetic diseases.

Right now, scientists are doing clinical trials with gene therapy.

Most promising is its used to treat SCID.

Risks of Genetic DisordersTests can determine

whether a baby has a genetic disorder.

Most women have blood tests and ultrasounds to make sure their baby is growing properly. Some women may undergo amniocentesis.

Health professionals called genetic counselors are specially trained to counsel parents about genetic disorders.