Topic > Genetic Disorders - 1433

Genetic disorders are diseases caused by certain mutations in DNA. There is a wide range of genetic diseases, each caused by different genes and each presenting very different symptoms. There are three types of genetic diseases: monogenic diseases, chromosomal anomalies and multifactorial diseases. In this document we will cover the three types of genetic diseases, examples of each type, and the possible treatment of particular disorders such as Huntington's disease, Down syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease. Life on Earth is based on DNA mutation. Mutations allow organisms to evolve, making them healthier and better able to survive. While many mutations occur that help species survive, there are also just as many that do not help species survive. In some cases, organisms die because mutations in their DNA make it impossible for them to survive. For some species, mutations occur that do not help them survive, but they continue to live. This could be the beginning of an inherited genetic disorder. Genetic diseases are anomalies in the human body, caused by mutations in DNA. These mutations are random unless caused by the environment. There are three categories of genetic disorders: monogenic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and multifactorial disorders. As stated by Richard Twyman, “Monogenic disorders are caused by defects in a particular gene and often have simple, predictable patterns of inheritance (http://genome.wellcome.ac.uk/, 2003).” Monogenic disorders usually cause symptoms by altering or changing the amount of a protein produced by the mutated gene. Children of a parent with the mutated gene have a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene.Huntington's... middle of paper... milies. With the support of scientists, the government, families, associations and affected communities, we can improve the quality of life of those affected. Not only can we help our current population, but we can help our future populations we can change our world. Works Cited “Research.” Cold Spring Harbor: Laboratory by Cold Spring Harbor. 2006. Shari Roan. Gene therapy can reverse Down syndrome. Los Angeles Times. 2004. The human genome. . 2003.Welcome Trust.Tingey, Carol. Down syndrome. Boston: College Hill. 1988. "Understanding Genetic Disorders." http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/. Genetic science teaching center. University of Utah. 2006.6