Genetics

Autosomal Inheritance

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  • Autosomal dominant: a monogenetic disorder manifests in the heterozygous state
    • Represent more than 50% of all mendelian phenotypes
    • Inheritance usually from just one parent who is heterozygous
    • M=F
    • Phenotype can occur in all generations
    • Exceptions:
      • A fresh mutation occurs in a normal parent
      • The disorder is not expressed (so-called non-penetrant)
    • Homozygotes tend to be more severely affected (Huntington’s being an exception)
  • Autosomal recessive: disorders that are only expressed when both abnormal genes are present (homozygous)

    • Account for a third of all mendelian phenotypes
    • Typically due to the mating of two carriers
    • Consanguinity between parents of an affected person is more likely especially if the gene is rare

    • M=F

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Chromosome Defects