Hereditary disease
Hereditary Disease
Hereditary disease (pronunciation: /hɪˈrɛdɪtəri dɪˈziːz/), also known as a genetic disorder, is a type of health condition that is caused by abnormalities in an individual's genome. These abnormalities can be as small as a single-gene mutation, or as large as a whole chromosome that has been added or deleted.
Etymology
The term "hereditary" comes from the Latin word "hereditas", which means "condition of being an heir". The term "disease" comes from the Old French "desaise", which means "lack of ease". Together, "hereditary disease" refers to a health condition that is inherited, or passed down from parents to their offspring.
Types of Hereditary Diseases
There are many types of hereditary diseases, including:
- Single-gene disorders: These are caused by mutations in the DNA sequence of a single gene. Examples include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and Huntington's disease.
- Chromosomal disorders: These are caused by changes in the number or structure of chromosomes. Examples include Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome.
- Complex disorders: These are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Examples include heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of hereditary diseases often involves genetic testing, which can identify changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. Treatment varies depending on the specific disease, but may involve medication, surgery, physical therapy, and/or genetic counseling.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hereditary disease
- Wikipedia's article - Hereditary disease
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