Genetic Disorders

By exportuser2

A gene is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes, which are made up of DNA, act as instructions to make molecules called proteins. A genetic disorder is a disease caused by a different form of a gene called a variation, or an alteration of a gene called a mutation. Almost all diseases have a genetic aspect. Some, including many cancers, are caused by a mutation in a gene or a group of genes in a person’s cells.

Genetic disorders are grouped into one of three categories. Monogenetic disorders are caused by a mutation in a single gene, with the mutation present in one or both of the patient’s chromosomes. Multifactorial inheritance disorders are caused by a combination of small inherited variations in genes, often acting together with environmental factors. Chromosome disorders, meanwhile, are caused by an excess or deficiency of the genes that are located on chromosomes, or by structural changes within chromosomes.

At UAMS, we are the premier provider of genetics services in Arkansas and also offer services not available elsewhere in our region. Learn about our genetics services.

This week’s “Here’s To Your Health” broadcasts provides information on genetic disorders.

Broadcasts

Two copies of genes

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Three categories of disorders

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More than 4,000 diseases caused by variants

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XX and XY

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Evaluations are important

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These programs were first broadcast the week of June 4, 2012.

T. Glenn Pait, M.D., of UAMS is the host of the program.

About Our Host

Trusted by thousands of listeners every week, T. Glenn Pait, M.D., began offering expert advice as host of UAMS’ “Here’s to Your Health” program in 1996. Dr. Pait began working at UAMS in 1994 and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years.