Inheritance of Genetic Disorders

Inheritance of Genetic Disorders 1. The three modes of inheritance The three modes of inheritance are autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant and crosslinked factor. Autosomal dominant refers to the inheritance whereby only a copy of the mutation is necessary for an individual to express the disease. An individual has 50-50 chance of having affected and unaffected offspring.

Autosomal recessive on the other hand describes the inheritance whereby for an individual to be susceptible to express disease, he/she must have both copies of the mutation. In this case, both parents must be carriers of the mutated gene.

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X-linked dominant inheritance refers to the situations whereby n individual is susceptible to an x-linked disease due to the presence of a copy of the disease allele, on the X-chromosome (Fuhrmann & Vogel, 2013). This condition can affect both male and females although males have a higher risk since they carry only X-chromosome. The chance of a pregnant woman passing the disease to the child is 50% (McKusick, 2015).

2. The mode of inheritance is exhibited by the cancer mutation in the pedigree The mode of inheritance demonstrated by the pedigree is Autosomal dominant. This type of inheritance requires the presence of a copy of the disease allele for one to express the phenotype. In the pedigree, only one of the parents’ has the disease implying that the chances of having children with the disease are 50% (McKusick, 2015).

Discussion Topic: Genetically Modified Organisms QUESTIONS 1.

Describe two specific examples of a commercially used GMO Corn and cotton are the two main commercially used GMO’s. Bt corn is the variant of

maize that has been genetically modified. This modification is done by altering the genetic expression of maize such that one or more proteins of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis and delta endotoxins are expressed (Grumezescu & Holban, 2017). This alteration is made to increase the resistance of maize to insect pests. Genetic modification of cotton, on the other hand, involves the introduction of the bacterium Bt to cotton. The cotton modification is targeted at making the plant to produce a protein that has toxic components to some insect larva (Grumezescu & Holban, 2017).

2.

What are the benefits of GM foods, in general?

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Some of the main benefits of GM foods include resistance to pests and disease and subsequently increased crop productivity. The stalks of GM foods can be used to make hay and silage for animals. These crops have economic and environmental benefits. Since food substances have a ready market all over the world due to the growing population, GM foods stand a better chance of providing farmers with value for their money (Grumezescu & Holban, 2017). Taxation of GM foods can also be a source of revenue for governments. It has also been revealed that GM food has a positive health influence on human beings and animals. These foods can be used to resolve disasters such as hunger and famine that rock some part of the world for prolonged periods (Grumezescu & Holban, 2017).

3.

What are the main issues of concern for human health?

Three main issues remain unsolved concerning genetically modified foods. One of these

issues is the effect on the environment. It is widely feared that growing GM foods will introduce new and less understood genetic variations to traditional food crops. The other issue is that GM foods might have detrimental health effects on the body. It is also feared that the alteration of genetic components might turn non-allergenic plants to allergenic plants (Mills, 2018).

4.

Where do you stand on the use of GM foods?

I believe that despite the issues being raised on genetically modified foods, they have the

potential to resolve hunger issues that affect a large proportion of the poor globally through increasing crop production. However, there is a need for further studies to determine the actual health impact these food substances might have on an individual.

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References Fuhrmann, W., & Vogel, F. (2013). Genetic counseling: A guide for the practicing physician.

New York, NY: Springer-Verlag.

Grumezescu, A. M., & Holban A. M. (2017). Genetically engineered foods. New York, NY: Elsevier Science.

McKusick, V. A. (2015). Mendelian inheritance in man: Catalogs of autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and x-linked phenotypes. Kent: Elsevier Science.

Mills, C. (2018). The three main concerns about genetically modified foods. Retrieved from https://caloriebee.com/nutrition/The-Three-Main-Concerns-About-Genetically-ModifiedFoods