Single gene disorders

Question 1

Some of the more common single-gene disorders include:

Answer 1

cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis, Tay-Sachs, and sickle cell anemia

Question 2

A single gene disorder is caused by

Answer 2

variations (or mutations) in the DNA sequence of a specific gene.

Question 3

With single gene disorders, the DNA changes affect

Answer 3

-the product that the gene codes for—usually a protein—causing it to be altered or missing.

-The features of each disorder are related to the specific gene that is affected

-and the job that the protein has in the body.

Question 4

Single gene disorders can be inherited from parents

Answer 4

-Because they are caused by specific gene variations, many single-gene disorders run in families.

-When one or both parents are carriers of a genetic disorder, they have a chance of passing it to their children—even if they themselves are healthy.