Human Genetic Disorders Webquest
understanding human genetic disorders and gene testing
Is the traffic light red or green? Most humans have the ability to distinguish the color we call red from the color we call green. But some people cannot. Such people are said to be colorblind. Colorblindness is a defect in vision that makes it difficult or impossible for a person to distinguish between or among certain colors.
Have you ever met someone who is colorblind or has cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, Tay Sachs disease, or PKU? These are just a few of the genetic disorders that every baby born in California may be screened for!
How can a small change in a person's DNA cause a genetic disorder?
In order for a person to develop and function normally, the proteins encoded by his or her genes must function precisely. Unfortunately, sometimes genes are damaged or are copied incorrectly, resulting in faulty proteins. Changes in genetic material are called mutations. Mutations are rare because cells have efficient systems for correcting errors. But mutations sometimes occur, and they may have harmful effects.
The harmful effects produced by inherited mutations are called genetic disorder (also called genetic disease).
It is 10-15 years from now; you are told that your best friend since high school got married and just had a child. The doctor has just informed her that her child has a genetic disorder. Would you share the information that you know about this genetic disorder with your friend? |