case 6 - genetics and the environment

Question 1

what is obesity

Answer 1

an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health (WHO)

Question 2

what is diabetes

Answer 2

Is a chronic, metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose, which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves

Question 3

what is the single gene mutation known to cause monogenic obesiy

Answer 3

MC4R, leptin wtc

Question 4

how does diabetes result from obesity

Answer 4

1. too much food, animal fat, not enough exercise, one set of genes inherited from your parents makes you hungry, another set causes greater insulin resistance
2. therefore overweight; need extra insulin as body becomes resistant
3. fatty deposits in the pancreas cause even more damage
4. other set of genes inherited from parents make islet cells in the pancreas wear out early; cannot make enough insulin
5. result; body needs more insulin but cannot produce it

= type 2 diabetes

Question 5

what is the risk percentage of getting type 1 and 2 if both parents have it

Answer 5

30% risk of getting type I diabetes if both parents have it
75% risk of getting type Ii diabetes if both parents have it