genetic disorders diseases. what is a genetic disorder or disease? a genetic disorder is an abnormal...
TRANSCRIPT
Genetic Disorders
Diseases
What is a Genetic Disorder or Disease?
• A genetic disorder is an abnormal condition that a person inherits through genes or chromosomes.
• They are caused by mutations or changes in a person’s DNA.
Cystic Fibrosis
• Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder in which the body produces thick mucus in the lungs and intestines.
• The mutation that leads to cystic fibrosis is carried on a recessive allele.
• There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis.
Sickle-Cell Disease
• Sickle-cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects the blood.
• Red blood cells will have an unusual sickle shape.
• People will experience pain and weakness.• There is no cure for sickle-cell disease.
Hemophilia
• Hemophilia is a genetic disorder in which a person’s blood clots very slowly or not at all.
• A person with hemophilia can bleed to death from a small cut or scrape.
• It is caused by a recessive allele on the X chromosome.
• People with hemophilia are advised to avoid contact sports because of internal bleeding.
Diagnosing Genetic disorders
• Today doctors use tools such as amniocentesis and karyotypes to help detect genetic disorders.
• Amniocentesis – a doctor uses a needle to remove fluid surrounding a baby.
• Karyotypes – a picture of all the chromosomes in a cell.
Gene Therapy
• Researchers using genetic engineering will try to correct some genetic disorders.
• Researchers will insert working copies of a gene directly into the cells of a person with a genetic disorder.
• Gene therapy is still experimental and researchers are working to improve this technique.