Question

Give an example that best describes the influence of genetic factors

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Answered by GPT 3.5
One example that best describes the influence of genetic factors is the occurrence of hereditary diseases or disorders. These are conditions that are passed down from parents to their offspring through genes.

For instance, hemophilia is a hereditary genetic disorder where a person's blood doesn't clot properly. It is caused by a mutation in either the clotting factors VIII (hemophilia A) or IX (hemophilia B) genes, which are located on the X chromosome. As a result, individuals with hemophilia have prolonged bleeding even from minor injuries, and may experience internal bleeding and joint damage.

The influence of genetic factors in hemophilia is evident in families where the disorder occurs. If a parent carries the mutated gene, they have a 50% chance of passing it on to their children. This means that if a father with hemophilia has a daughter, she will be a carrier of the mutated gene, while his sons will not be affected. On the other hand, if a mother is a carrier, her sons have a 50% chance of inheriting hemophilia, while her daughters have a 50% chance of becoming carriers themselves.

This example illustrates how genetic factors play a significant role in determining the probability of developing certain diseases or disorders. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding one's genetic history for better disease management and family planning.

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