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Summary
Genes are the building blocks of heredity. They are passed from parent to child. They hold DNA, the instructions for making proteins. Proteins do most of the work in cells. They move molecules from one place to another, build structures, break down toxins, and do many other maintenance jobs.
Sometimes there is a mutation, a change in a gene or genes. The mutation changes the gene's instructions for making a protein, so the protein does not work properly or is missing entirely. This can cause a medical condition called a genetic disorder.
You can inherit a gene mutation from one or both parents. A mutation can also happen during your lifetime.
There are three types of genetic disorders:
- Single-gene disorders, where a mutation affects one gene. Sickle cell anemia is an example.
- Chromosomal disorders, where chromosomes (or parts of chromosomes) are missing or changed. Chromosomes are the structures that hold our genes. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder.
- Complex disorders, where there are mutations in two or more genes. Often your lifestyle and environment also play a role. Colon cancer is an example.
Genetic tests on blood and other tissue can identify genetic disorders.
NIH: National Library of Medicine
Diagnosis and Tests
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Genetic Testing: MedlinePlus Health Topic
(National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
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How are genetic conditions diagnosed?: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
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Newborn Screening: MedlinePlus Health Topic
(National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
- Progeria Research Foundation Diagnostic Testing Program (Progeria Research Foundation, Inc.)
Treatments and Therapies
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How are genetic conditions treated or managed?: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
Related Issues
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What Is Genetics?
(National Institute of General Medical Sciences)
Specifics
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About Poland Anomaly
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
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About Progeria
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
- Cryopyrin-Associated Autoinflammatory Syndromes (CAPS) (American College of Rheumatology) Also in Spanish
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Frequently Asked Questions about Genetic Disorders
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
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Genetic and Chromosomal Conditions
(March of Dimes Foundation) Also in Spanish
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Genetics: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine) Also in Spanish
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Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy
(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
- Noonan Syndrome (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Triple X Syndrome: Symptoms and Causes (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
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Undiagnosed Condition in an Adult FAQ
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
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VEXAS Syndrome
(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
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What are complex or multifactorial disorders?: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
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What are the different ways a genetic condition can be inherited?: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
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What does it mean if a disorder seems to run in my family?: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
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Williams Syndrome
(Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center) Also in Spanish
Statistics and Research
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Human Genome Project (HGP)
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Genetic Diseases, Inborn
(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Progeria
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Gene Dosage Sensitivity and Human Genetic Diseases.
- Article: Transcriptional Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Genetic Disorders: Opportunities, Challenges, and...
- Article: University students' anticipated stigma toward individuals with hereditary chronic diseases in...
- Genetic Disorders -- see more articles
Reference Desk
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Chromosome Abnormalities
(National Human Genome Research Institute) Also in Spanish
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Genetic Testing Registry
(National Center for Biotechnology Information)
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How are genetic conditions and genes named?: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
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Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms
(National Human Genome Research Institute) Also in Spanish
Find an Expert
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Also in Spanish
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Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Also in Spanish
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Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
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How can I find a genetics professional in my area?: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
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National Human Genome Research Institute
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Children
- Campomelic Dysplasia (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Cartilage Hair Hypoplasia (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- CLOVES Syndrome (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Ellis-Van Creveld Dysplasia (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Gene Changes (Mutations) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
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Genetic Conditions: How Do They Run in Families? (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Genetics (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
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Undiagnosed Condition in a Child FAQ
(National Human Genome Research Institute)
- What Is a Gene? (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- What Is a Pediatric Geneticist? (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish
Teenagers
- Genes and Genetics (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
Women
- Genetic Disorders and Pregnancy (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)