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Heritable Disease

A heritable disease is a type of genetic disorder that is passed down from parents to their offspring through their genes. These diseases are caused by abnormalities in the genetic material within the human cells. The abnormalities can range from a small mutation in a single gene to the addition or subtraction of an entire chromosome.

Types of Heritable Diseases

There are several types of heritable diseases, including monogenic disorders, multifactorial inheritance disorders, and chromosomal disorders.

Monogenic Disorders

Monogenic disorders, also known as single-gene disorders, are caused by mutations in the DNA sequence of a single gene. Examples of monogenic disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Marfan syndrome.

Multifactorial Inheritance Disorders

Multifactorial inheritance disorders are caused by a combination of environmental factors and mutations in multiple genes. Examples of multifactorial inheritance disorders include heart disease, high blood pressure, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.

Chromosomal Disorders

Chromosomal disorders are caused by changes in the number or structure of chromosomes. Examples of chromosomal disorders include Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of heritable diseases often involves genetic testing, which can identify changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. Treatment varies depending on the specific disease and may include medical management, surgery, physical therapy, and genetic counseling.

See Also

• Genetic disorder
• Genetic testing
• Genetic counseling

References

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