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: Later, more mutations in these altered cells can lead to uncontrolled cell replication and the onset of cancer. Patterns of Inheritance
For inherited conditions that can be traced to a single gene, the patterns of inheritance are fairly straightforward. Depending on the gene, common patterns of inheritance are autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked and mitochondrial. Autosomal Dominant Inheritance
With autosomal dominant inheritance, a person only needs to inherit one copy of the abnormal gene in order to develop the condition. Lynch Syndrome is an example of an autosomal dominant condition. 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.