Title: DNA & Inheritance Facts, Worksheets, Inheritance & Building Blocks Kids
Headings: DNA and Inheritance Facts & Worksheets
DNA and Inheritance Facts & Worksheets
Download the DNA and Inheritance Facts & Worksheets
Key Facts & Information
Fundamental Concepts of the Human Genome
DNA: The Building Blocks
Genetic Inheritance
Genetic Mutations
DNA and Inheritance Worksheets
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Content: Genetic Mutations
Genetic mutations may occur when DNA changes, altering the genetic instructions. Mutations can be caused by exposure to chemicals such as cigarette smoke, medicine and alcohol. In addition, mutations may also occur when DNA is not copied properly during cell division. Mutation in a single gene can cause certain medical conditions that may be passed from parent to child. Such genetic conditions can be inherited in three different ways, including autosomal recessive inheritance, autosomal dominant inheritance, and X-linked inheritance. Genetic conditions inherited through an autosomal dominant pattern are type 1 neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease or ADPKD. This means only one parent needs to carry the mutation for the 50% chance that it will be passed to the couple’s children. Some conditions may only be inherited when both parents are carriers of the faulty gene through the autosomal recessive pattern. Conditions include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and Tay-Sachs disease. Unlike the autosomal dominant pattern, the autosomal recessive pattern needs a child to inherit both copies of his/her parents’ faulty gene to have the condition.