Some diseases run in the family, which means, one or more members of the family from different generations may have been diagnosed with the same. Further, genetic mutation can happen in some individuals which are then passed on to a child or grandchild eventually. The terms genetic, inherited and hereditary are all used interchangeably for such conditions, and to a layman, they all appear the same. However, there are subtle differences between them. In this article, we will explore the differences and briefly look at such ailments.
Our bodies are constantly changing from generation to generation, depending on the gene mix, or the varied genes that we inherit from parents, and grandparents on both sides. The upside of this is that, we get the best of genes, or inherit positive aspects from our elders, which moulds various aspects of our personality. The downside is that genetic mutations or unhealthy changes in genes or genetic material can also be passed down over generations and affect our lives. Genetic mutations happen due to environmental and lifestyle factors.
Diseases, ailments and infections can cause subtle changes to our genetic material. Environmental factors like pollution or exposure to toxins can do the same. Addictions, substance abuse, workplace conditions – all these have an ability to cause changes in our genetic material. Unhealthy diets and lifestyle choices (exercise or the lack of it) can all do likewise. Genes are made of DNA which contains instructions for cell function, and also decides various aspects of our personality. We inherit half the genes from both parents, so the likelihood of inheriting a genetic mutation from either parent is as high as 50%.
Again, all hereditary diseases are genetic (they have passed from a parent or grandparent). But all genetic disorders are not hereditary. One or more generations may not develop this disorder, due to the healthy ‘gene mix’ over generations. Or the condition may show up after a couple of generations, if the parent/grandparent from the other family also carry such genes.
There are 4 types of genetic disorders.
As the name implies, genetic mutation or changes in the DNA sequence of a single gene causes such conditions. Also called Mendelian inheritance. Again, depending on the pattern of inheritance, these disorders are of 3 types.
There are thousands of single-gene disorders, but the 7 most common ones are:
Here, multiple genes mutated over time and passed down through generations can cause various health conditions. The 7 most common ones are:
Unlike the above conditions caused by changes in the DNA, there are other conditions caused by an abnormal number or structure of chromosomes. This typically happens when there is a problem in healthy cell-division. Down’s syndrome, Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome and Cri du chat syndrome are examples of conditions caused by chromosomal abnormalities.
Mitochondria are small, rod-shaped components found in the cytoplasm of plant and animal cells. They are called the lungs of cells as they are responsible for respiration of cells. Each mitochondrion contains 5 to 10 round-shaped pieces of DNA. These are the non-nuclear DNA of mitochondria. Mutations in these DNA causes a host of conditions called Mitochondrial inheritance disorders. During fertilization, only the egg cells retain their mitochondria while sperm cells do not. So, these disorders are always inherited from the mother.
Examples of such disorders are:
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – Alwarpet/Vadapalani 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
மூளையின் ஆரோக்கியத்தைக் காக்கும் நடவடிக்கைகளை எடுப்பது அறிவாற்றல் செயல்பாடு மற்றும் ஒட்டுமொத்த வாழ்க்கைத் தரத்தைக் கணிசமாக மேம்படுத்தும். சீரான உணவு,…
இன்றைய உலகில் லட்சக்கணக்கான மக்களைப் பாதிக்கும் பொதுவான உடல்நலக் கவலைகளில் ஒன்று முதுகுவலி. மாறிவரும் வாழ்க்கைமுறையால் குழந்தைகள், இளைஞர்கள் மற்றும்…
ஆர்த்ரோஸ்கோபி என்பது வழக்கமான திறந்த அறுவை சிகிச்சைக்கு மாற்றாக இரண்டு எளிய கீஹோல்களைக் கொண்டு மூட்டுப் பிரச்னைகளுக்கு சிகிச்சையளிக்க உதவும்…
உலகளவில் அதிக இறப்புகளுக்கு உயர் ரத்த அழுத்தமே முக்கிய காரணமாக உள்ளது. இந்தியாவில் உயர் ரத்த அழுத்தத்தின் பாதிப்பு 17.6%…
Summary Mitral Valve is an important valve in the human heart and like any other…
Table of Content Introduction What are Ventricular Assist Devices Why are they required? Types of…