1. Genetic Disorders Diseases

2. What is a Genetic Disorder or Disease? A genetic disorder is an abnormal condition that a person inherits through genes or chromosomes. They are caused by mutations or changes in a person’s DNA.

3. Cystic Fibrosis

4. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder in which the body produces thick mucus in the lungs and intestines. The mutation that leads to cystic fibrosis is carried on a recessive allele. There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis.

5. Sickle-Cell Disease

6. Sickle-cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects the blood. Red blood cells will have an unusual sickle shape. People will experience pain and weakness. There is no cure for sickle-cell disease.

7. Hemophilia

8. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder in which a person’s blood clots very slowly or not at all. A person with hemophilia can bleed to death from a small cut or scrape. It is caused by a recessive allele on the X chromosome. People with hemophilia are advised to avoid contact sports because of internal bleeding.

9. Diagnosing Genetic disorders Today doctors use tools such as amniocentesis and karyotypes to help detect genetic disorders. Amniocentesis – a doctor uses a needle to remove fluid surrounding a baby. Karyotypes – a picture of all the chromosomes in a cell.

10. Gene Therapy Researchers using genetic engineering will try to correct some genetic disorders. Researchers will insert working copies of a gene directly into the cells of a person with a genetic disorder. Gene therapy is still experimental and researchers are working to improve this technique.