Genetics in Clinical Practice 1 Flashcards
Name both Mendel Laws of Genetics
Law of Segregation
Law of Independent Assortment
State the Law of Segregation
Each indiv has 2 characteristics (alleles) for each characteristic and only 1 is transmitted to each offspring
State of the Law of Independent Assortment
Genes at diff loci segregate independently (not if 2 loci closely linked)
What are single gene disorders caused by?
Mutation in single gene
Define Mutation
Pathogenic heritable alteration in gene that affects protein structure/function
Define Allele
Diff form of a gene at a locus
Define locus
Pos of a gene on a chromosome
Define Genotype
Indiv genetic constitution (particular alleles) at a specified locus/loci
Define Phenotype
Clinical effect/presentation of expressed gene/genes
Define Heterozygote
Indiv with diff alleles at a specified locus
Define Hemizygous
Presence of only a single copy of a chromosome/gene e.g. X chromosome in males
Where are autosomal genes located?
On autosomes
Where are X + Y linked genes located?
On X/Y chromosome
What can X-linked conditions sometimes show?
Sex-linked inheritance
Define monogenic heterogeneity and give e.g.
Caused by 1 gene e.g. CF
Define phenotypic heterogeneity
Caused by 1 gene but diff mutations in that gene give rise to diff phenotypes
Define genetic heterogeneity
Same/similar phenotypes caused by mutations in multiple genes Either allelic (diff alleles at locus produce varying expressions of cond) or locus (mutations at diff loci produce same phenotype)
Describe how a pedigree is drawn
- A4 landscape paper
- Rule 4 horizontal lines across (3cm apart)
- Draw consultand symbol in middle of 3rd line
- Record DOB and relevant medical details
What are autosomal dominant conditions caused by?
Mutation in single autosomal gene
How can indiv affected by autosomal dominant conditions be described?
Heterozygous for mutation i.e. have wild type and mutant copy of gene
What is the chance of a parent affected by autosomal dom cond passing on normal/mutant allele to sons and daughters?
50%
What does a parent unaffected by autosomal dom cond always pass on?
Normal allele
How can the transmission of autosomal dom cond be described?
Vertical transmission (transmitted from gen to gen)
How are M + F affected by autosomal dom cond?
Equally
Does a specific sex have higher chance of transmitting autosomal dom disorder to sons or daughters?
No either sex can to both sons and daughters
What is a key feature of transmission of autosomal dom disorders?
Male to male transmission