Genetic Disorders Illness that is caused by changes to a persons genetic material – To a single gene that affects protein production (cystic fibrosis) – Increase or decrease in number of chromosomes (down syndrome) – Multiple changes to one or more genes caused from environmental factors (cancer)

Mutation A random change in the DNA Uncontrolled cell division happens in one of two ways: – A checkpoint gene which prevents the cell from dividing is damaged or switched off – A gene which says ‘ok now divide’ is switched on (expressed) permanently

Cancer: A SERIES of Gene changes Uncontrolled growth and division of cells Failure in the cell cycle

Causes in DNA Damage Carcinogens – Environmental factors that increase the risk of cancer Include – Tobacco smoke – Lung cancer – Radiation (x-rays, uv rays), tanning beds – Organic solvents – Hodgkins disease – Viruses – HPV virus – Cervical cancer – Hepatitis B – Liver cancer

Nondisjunction Increase or decrease in number of chromosomes during meiosis – Both autosomal and sex chromosomes Gametes are affected Happens during anaphase I & II

Biotechnology Artificial Insemination – Sperm is collected and concentrated before being placed in woman’s uterus In Vitro Fertilization – Eggs from mom are retrieved and combined with sperm in petri dish – After fertilization, zygote is placed in woman’s uterus

Genetic Testing Determining if your baby carries a gene that is associated with an increased risk of developing a disease

Aminocentesis Benefits – Diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities – Diagnosis of other defects Risks – Discomfort for expectant mother – Slight risk of infection – Miscarriage

Chorionic Villus Sampling Benefits – Diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities – Diagnosis of certain genetic defects Risks – Miscarriage – Infection – Newborn having limb defects

Stem Cell – an undifferentiated cell that can divide to form specialized cells Embryonic Stem Cells – differentiate into any kind of cell Muscle Cell Skin Cell Nerve Cell Heart Cell Tissue Stem Cells (Adult Stem Cells) – exist within specialized tissue, differentiate into certain types of cell s Bone Marrow Stem Cells

Cord Blood Banking Blood (stem cells) found in umbilical cord after birth Similar to tissue stem cells Develop into various blood cells These stem cells could be banked (stored) Used to treat variety of diseases

Gene Therapy Experimental treatment to cure genetic disorders Insert healthy genes into cells of tissues that are affected by a disorder