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Chapter 12: Problem 12

What is a molecular explanation for the worsening of an inherited illness over generations?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The worsening of an inherited illness over generations can be explained by the accumulation of genetic mutations over time and anticipation in genetic diseases where symptoms become worse and appear at earlier ages in successive generations.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Genetic Inheritance

First, it's important to understand that humans inherit their genes from their parents. These genes have the instructions for growth, functioning, and reproduction. If a parent has a faulty gene, it might be passed down to their children.
02

Introduction to Genetic Mutations

Sometimes these genes can change or mutate. These mutations can either be beneficial, neutral, or harmful. Now, inherited illnesses are usually caused by harmful genetic mutations.
03

Accumulation of Mutations Over Generations

As these faulty genes are passed from one generation to the next, more mutations might occur. This means that over time, these genes could accumulate more mutations, each one potentially worsening the condition. Additionally, environmental factors can influence genetic expression, which might exacerbate the illness.
04

Anticipation in Genetic Diseases

A phenomenon known in genetic diseases called anticipation can also explain the worsening of inherited illnesses. In anticipation, the symptoms of a genetic disorder become apparent at earlier ages with each generation. In some disorders, the severity of the symptoms can also increase with successive generations, this can be due to increase in the number of trinucleotide repeats in the gene associated with the disease in each new generation.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How does a copy number variant differ from a missense mutation?

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