1 of 13© Boardworks Ltd 2011 Inherited Disorders.

1 of 13 © Boardworks Ltd 2011

Inherited Disorders


Inherited disorders

Inherited disorders are caused by faulty genetic material that is passed on to future generations. They are sometimes called genetic disorders.

One example of an inherited disorder is polydactyly, where someone has extra fingers or toes. This disorder is caused by a dominant allele.

This means that polydactyly can be passed on, even if only one parent has the disorder.


Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that affects the cell membranes. Over 8,500 people in the UK have cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a recessive allele. This means that the disorder can be passed on by two parents who are carriers, but who do not actually have the disorder themselves.

Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the digestive and the respiratory systems. As a result, sufferers find it difficult to breathe and to digest food as their internal organs are clogged by a thick mucus.


Cystic fibrosis


Diagnosing inherited disorders

Cystic fibrosis in children is usually diagnosed with a sweat test. However, if a couple has a family history of cystic fibrosis, or another inherited disorder, they may want to screen their unborn child for the alleles that cause the disorder.

chorionic villus sampling – fetal cells are collected from the chorionic villi in the placenta with a suction tube.

amniocentesis – fetal cells are collected from the amniotic fluid via a hollow needle

There are two types of test:


Fetal testing


Genetic screening


Regulating difficult decisions

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is the independent body in the UK responsible for overseeing the use of embryos in fertility treatment and research.

Science is advancing quickly, so the HFEA will increasingly have to make decisions about the ethics of new treatment and research.

If something can be done, does that mean it should be?

The HFEA decides which embryo research and embryo selection should be allowed.


Glossary


Multiple-choice quiz

1 of 13© Boardworks Ltd 2011 Inherited Disorders.

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