Title: Basic Genetics | Kintalk UCSF
Headings: Basic Genetics
Basic Genetics
DNA, Chromosomes, and Genes
Gene Mutations
Cancer Genetics
Patterns of Inheritance
Autosomal Dominant Inheritance
Autosomal Recessive Inheritance
X-Linked Inheritance
Research is Ongoing

Content: A parent with an autosomal dominant disorder has 50/50 chance of passing the disorder to each of his or her children. Autosomal Recessive Inheritance
With autosomal recessive conditions, a person needs to inherit abnormal copies of the gene from both parents in order to develop the condition. If the person inherits the abnormal gene from only one parent, the person is a carrier of the mutation (and can pass it on to their children), but does not develop the health problems associated with the mutation. If two carriers of the same autosomal recessive condition have a child together, there’s a 25 percent chance that their child will have the condition, a 50 percent chance that the child will be a carrier, and a 25 percent chance that the child will not inherit any copies of the abnormal gene. This risk applies to each pregnancy. Examples of autosomal recessive conditions include cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. X-Linked Inheritance
In X-linked inherited conditions, the abnormal gene is located on the X chromosome. Because women have two copies of the X chromosome and men have one X and one Y chromosome, mutations on the X chromosome can affect men and women differently. Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is the most common form of muscular dystrophy, is an example of an X-linked condition. Research is Ongoing
For some inherited genetic conditions, the condition has been well defined, tests are available, and there are options to manage disease risk.