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Slide show: How genetic disorders are inherited
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Slide show
Slide show: How genetic disorders are inherited
By Mayo Clinic staff
Your genes, chromosomes and DNA
Your body is made up of trillions of cells. Each cell has a core structure (nucleus) that contains your chromosomes.
Each chromosome is made up of tightly coiled strands of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Genes are segments of DNA that determine specific traits, such as eye or hair color. You have more than 20,000 genes.
A gene mutation is an alteration in your DNA. It can be inherited or acquired during your lifetime, as cells age or are exposed to certain chemicals. Some changes in your genes result in genetic disorders.
Next slide- Genetics home reference: Your guide to understanding genetic conditions. U.S. National Library of Medicine. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- Zoghbi HY, et al. Huntington disease: Genetics and pathogenesis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- Wright MJ, et al. The Marfan syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- Isaacs C, et al. Genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 23, 2009.
