Loading...

Are there hereditary diseases?

There are diseases that can be passed from parent to offspring. Click the images below for information about the six most common hereditary diseases.

The difference of Normal red blood cell and sickle cell Illustration.: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
The difference of Normal red blood cell and sickle cell Illustration.

Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that causes misshapen red blood cells and results in a shortage of healthy red blood cells.

Little girl in a mask, treatments respiratory tract with a nebulizer at home.: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Little girl in a mask, treatments respiratory tract with a nebulizer at home.

Cystic fibrosis causes difficulty with breathing and digestion.

A child with macrocephaly, and close-up view of swollen neurons.: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
A child with macrocephaly, and close-up view of swollen neurons.

Tay-Sachs disease involves the destruction of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which leads to slowed development and a short life expectancy.

Blood tubes Hemophilia positive.: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Blood tubes Hemophilia positive.

Hemophilia prevents blood cells from clotting, which can lead to excessive bleeding.

normal brain and Huntington’s disease brain comparing 3D illustration: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
normal brain and Huntington’s disease brain comparing 3D illustration

Huntington’s disease is the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain over time; it can be managed with medicine.

Doctor checking disabled person leg at hospital.: Enter key opens full-screen view with caption; escape key exits full screen.
Doctor checking disabled person leg at hospital.

Muscular dystrophy causes muscular weakness and wasting of muscles.

Genetic testing can determine if a couple might pass on these diseases to their children.

Lesson Content Banner

Reflection

Question

Genevieve’s father has a hereditary disease that prevents his blood from clotting, but her mother does not. Will Genevieve be born with this disease?

Since half of her chromosomes are inherited from each parent, Genevieve will likely not have the blood clotting disorder unless she inherits it from both parents. She will be a carrier of this disorder, which means she can pass it on to her children.