There are types of genetic disorder that happens as a result of variation in the information encoded by the chromosomes and genes, this variation commonly caused by mutation. There are four different categories of genetic disorder types, which are as follows:
- Chromosomal Disorders: The most well-known chromosomal disorder is the Down syndrome or Trisomy 21 where a person has three copies of chromosome 21. Other examples include Klinefelter syndrome, Cri-du-Chat syndrome, Turner Syndrome and Williams’ syndrome. Chromosomal disorders occur as a result of abnormalities in the chromosomal structure such as missing or presence of extra copies of chromosomes.
- Single-gene Disorders: Some well-known examples of single-gene disorders include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Marfan syndrome, Huntington’s disease and hereditary hemochromatosis. Single gene disorders can be further classified into autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked dominant, X-linked recessive and Y-linked disorders. This genetic disorder also known as Mendellian or monogenic disorder, occur when the changes or mutations occur in only a single gene.
- Mitochondrial Disorders: These disorders are maternal in origin as only egg cells contribute mitochondria in a developing embryo. One very good example of a mitochondrial disorder is the Leber’s Hereditary Optic neuropathy.
- Multifactorial Genetic Disorders: These disorders are really complex, difficult to analyze and hard to treat. Some examples of multifactorial disorders include autism, coronary heart diseases, cleft palate, mental retardation, cancer and diabetes. These disorders occur as a result of mutations in multiple genes.
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