Genetic Pathology: Introduction to Genetics
10 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the role of non-coding sequences within genes?

  • Regulate gene expression through promoter and enhancer sequences. (correct)
  • Undergo translation to create functional RNA molecules.
  • Code for structural components of chromosomes.
  • Directly produce proteins that regulate cellular functions.
  • A researcher is studying a family with a history of a particular genetic disorder. They observe that the disorder appears in every generation and that affected individuals always have at least one affected parent. Which inheritance pattern is MOST likely?

  • X-linked recessive
  • Autosomal dominant (correct)
  • Autosomal recessive
  • Mitochondrial
  • Considering both somatic and germ cell mutations, which statement accurately describes their potential impact?

  • Somatic mutations lead to inherited diseases, while germ cell mutations result in conditions like cancer.
  • Germ cell mutations contribute to hereditary diseases, while somatic mutations can lead to cancer or congenital malformations. (correct)
  • Both somatic and germ cell mutations exclusively lead to the development of cancer.
  • Both somatic and germ cell mutations can be transmitted to future generations, causing inherited diseases.
  • A patient is diagnosed with a disease caused by alterations in the number of chromosomes. Which type of mutation is MOST likely responsible?

    <p>Genome mutation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following scenarios BEST exemplifies a polygenic disease?

    <p>A disease that arises due to the combined effects of multiple genes and environmental factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A mutation in a non-coding region of DNA results in a change that affects gene expression levels. Which type of mutation is MOST likely responsible for this?

    <p>Mutation in non-coding sequences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A researcher identifies a novel genetic disorder. Pedigree analysis reveals that the disease only affects males, and affected fathers always pass the trait to their sons. Which inheritance pattern is MOST likely responsible for this disorder?

    <p>Y-linked (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in their mitochondrial DNA. Based on the known inheritance patterns, which of the following is MOST likely true regarding the patient's family history?

    <p>The patient inherited the mutation from their mother. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A scientist is studying a gene and identifies a mutation that changes a codon from UCA to UCG. Both codons specify the amino acid serine. What type of point mutation is this?

    <p>Silent Mutation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a population, a new disease emerges. Genetic analysis reveals that individuals with a specific mutation in the HBB gene, leading to the production of hemoglobin S, are more resistant to malaria. However, individuals homozygous for this mutation develop sickle cell anemia. What inheritance pattern BEST describes this scenario for resistance to malaria?

    <p>Codominance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Basic Genetics

    The study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation.

    Mendelian Disorders

    Genetic disorders caused by mutations in single genes, following Mendel's laws.

    Dominant Allele

    An allele that expresses its trait even in the presence of another allele.

    Mutation

    A permanent change in the DNA sequence that can lead to genetic disorders.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Genome Mutations

    Mutations involving the gain or loss of whole chromosomes affecting genetics.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Nonsense mutation

    A point mutation that results in a premature stop codon.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Point mutation

    A mutation that alters a single nucleotide in DNA.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hemoglobin S

    An abnormal form of hemoglobin produced due to mutation in the HBB gene.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Autosomal recessive

    A pattern of inheritance where two copies of a mutant gene must be present for the trait to manifest.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mitochondrial DNA inheritance

    Genetic transmission only through the maternal line via mitochondrial DNA.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Genetic Pathology Outline

    • NFNF1612 is a course on Genetic Pathology.
    • The course content includes: basic introduction to genetics, genetic expression and mutation, genetic inheritance patterns, Mendelian disorders, cytogenetic disorders, multifactorial disorders.
    • Genetics is the study of heredity and its components include DNA, Genes, and Chromosomes.

    What is "Genetics"?

    • Genetics is the study of heredity.
    • Important components include: DNA, Genes, Chromosomes.
    • DNA is the double helix structure containing genetic instructions; Genes are segments of DNA that carry specific instructions to make proteins; Chromosomes are thread-like structures in the nucleus that carry genes.

    Human Genome

    • The human genome is the complete set of all genes present in humans.
    • Normal human karyotype is 46, XY (Male) and 46, XX (Female).

    Genes

    • Genes contain coding and non-coding sequences.
    • Coding sequences produce proteins.
    • Non-coding sequences include promoter/enhancer sequences that regulate gene expression.
    • Alleles are different forms of a gene. Dominant alleles express even if only one copy is present. Recessive alleles only show if both copies are present. Codominant alleles affect the phenotype equally when both are present.

    Gene Expression

    • Genes critically affect homeostasis. (homeostasis is the process of maintaining a stable internal environment by adjusting the bodily functions).
    • This is done through protein expression (like enzymes and receptors).
    • Gene expression involves the process of DNA transcription to produce mRNA, followed by mRNA translation to form a protein. Proteins carry out most cellular functions.

    DNA Mutations

    • Mutations are permanent changes in genetic components.
    • Germ cell mutations are passed to offspring and cause heritable diseases.
    • Somatic cell mutations do not cause hereditary diseases but are linked to diseases like cancer and congenital malformations.
    • Three types of DNA mutations are genome mutations, chromosome mutations, and gene mutations.
      • Genome mutations involve whole chromosome loss or gain.
      • Chromosome mutations are rearrangements in genetic material, leading to structural chromosome changes.
      • Gene mutations are submicroscopic alterations in DNA sequences (genes).

    Types of Gene Mutations

    • Gene mutations can be point mutations (single base changes) – such as substitution, transition, transversion, nonsense mutation, missense mutation, silent mutation; or frame-shift mutations (insertions or deletions), trinucleotide repeats.
    • Mutations can occur in the coding areas (affect proteins) or non-coding areas of a gene (regulate gene activity).

    Sickle Cell Anemia

    • Sickle cell anemia is a disease where the structure of hemoglobin (Hb) is abnormal.
    • Mutations in the HBB gene primarily affect the beta-globin chain, leading to the production of hemoglobin S.
    • These structural changes cause the red blood cells to sickle, which can lead to health complications.

    β0-thalassemia

    • β0-thalassemia is linked to premature termination within the β-globin gene translation.
    • This results in shorter β-globin peptides leading to rapid degradation.
    • The absence of functioning β-globin chains reduces functional hemoglobin, leading to reduced mature red blood cell production and associated health issues.

    Tay-Sachs Disease

    • Tay-Sachs disease involves mutations in the HEXA gene, which codes for the enzyme β-hexosaminidase A.
    • This enzyme is crucial for breaking down GM2 ganglioside.
    • Reduced or absent enzyme activity causes a buildup of GM2 ganglioside, leading to toxic accumulation and neuronal damage.

    Modes of Genetic Inheritance

    • Genetic inheritance patterns include autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, X-linked recessive, X-linked dominant, Y-linked, codominance, and Mitochondrial DNA inheritance.
    • Examples: Huntington disease, cystic fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome, Haemophilia, and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.

    Cytogenetic Disorders

    • Cytogenetic disorders result from changes in chromosome numbers or structure.
    • Examples include Down syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and Turner syndrome.

    Numerical Abnormalities

    • Numerical abnormalities include: haploid (n), diploid (2n), euploid (2n, 3n,), polyploid (>2n), aneuploidy (2n-1, 2n+1, 2n+2, 2n-3), monosomy (2n-1), and trisomy (2n+1).

    Structural Abnormalities

    • Specific locations of genes on a chromosome are very important.
    • Chromosomal breakage can lead to loss or rearrangement of genetic material.
    • Common structural abnormalities include translocations, inversions, deletions, and ring chromosomes.

    Polygenic Disorders (Multifactorial Disorders)

    • Polygenic or multifactorial disorders result from interactions between several genes and environmental factors.
    • An example is Diabetes mellitus, which can have genetic and lifestyle factors contributing to the development of the disorder.

    Polymorphism

    • Polymorphisms are variations in the genomic DNA sequence among individuals.

    Reduced Penetrance

    • Reduced penetrance means that a gene can be present but may not always cause a detectable phenotype.

    Variable Expressivity

    • Variable expressivity means that the severity of a phenotype can vary among individuals even when carrying the same genetic mutation.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Description

    Overview of genetic pathology, including basic genetics and genetic disorders. Key components of genetics are DNA, genes, and chromosomes. The human genome contains all human genes and the normal human karyotype is 46, XY (Male) and 46, XX (Female).

    More Like This

    Cellular Biology and Pathology Quiz
    5 questions
    Congenital Disorders and Bone Pathology Quiz
    10 questions
    Pathology Midterm Questions
    29 questions

    Pathology Midterm Questions

    PortableMahoganyObsidian9457 avatar
    PortableMahoganyObsidian9457
    Introduzione alla Patologia e Cause di Malattia
    48 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser