B2 Genetic and Biological Factors

Question 1

What are genes?

Answer 1

Pieces of DNA inside each cell that give instructions

Question 2

What is genetic predisposition?

Answer 2

The possibility that you will develop a certain condition
(it’s not a certainty)

Question 3

What is cystic fibrosis?

Answer 3

• caused by a faulty recessive gene
• results in defective protein being produced that causes the lungs to be clogged with sticky mucus
• causes problems absorbing nutrients from food and may have respiratory and chest infections

Question 4

What is brittle bone disease?

Answer 4

• can be passed from parents or a genetic mutation
• at high risk of fracturing or breaking bones easily because bones develop without collagen

Question 5

What is huntington’s disease?

Answer 5

• can develop at any age but often starts between 35 and 55
• a neurodegenerative genetic disorder that causes damage to certain nerve cells
• can affect muscle coordination and behavioural changes

Question 6

What is downsyndrome?

Answer 6

• caused by an extra chromosome in the cells
• can cause varying levels of learning disability and physical features aswell as medical issues

Question 7

How can smoking during pregnancy impact the baby?

Answer 7

• it restricts the amount of oxygen the baby gets
• increases the risk of miscarriage/premature birth/low birth weight

Question 8

How can drinking during pregnancy impact the baby?

Answer 8

• alcohol passes to the baby
• may develop foetal alcohol syndrome and have physical defects
• smaller with smaller heads and may have heart defects or learning difficulties

Question 9

How can diet during pregnancy impact the baby?

Answer 9

• diets high in sugar and fat can increase risk of high blood cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes for the child later in life
• malnutrition can lead to lifetime poor health
• lack of vitamins could lead to abnormal heart development
• lack of folic acid could increase risk of spinal problems for baby

Question 10

How can exercise during pregnancy impact the baby?

Answer 10

• being active strengthens muscles leading to easier delivery
• decreased risk of hypertension as high bp could mean less blood to placenta so fewer nutrients and oxygen

Question 11

How can maternal infections during pregnancy impact the baby?

Answer 11

• infections such as rubella could cause the baby to have a hearing/sight impairment or a damaged heart
• congenital cmv could cause baby to be born with deafness or learning difficulties

Question 12

What are congenital effects?

Answer 12

• effects or conditions that are present at birth

Question 13

What are possible factors that could cause congenital defects?

Answer 13

• socioeconomic (nutritious food)
• environmental factors (polluted)
• infectious diseases (rubella)

Question 14

How can congenital defects be prevented?

Answer 14

• vaccinations
• screening
• sufficient intake of vitamins