Genetics
Alternate Names : Genetic Markers, Heredity and Disease, Heritable, Heterozygous, Homozygous, Inheritance, Inheritance Patterns
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Mitochondrial dna-linked disorders
Mitochondria are small organelles present in most of the body's cells which function in the conversion of certain chemicals in our food, in the presence of oxygen, to the common currency of energy inside cells (ATP). Mitochondria contain their own private DNA. In recent years, more than 20 hereditary disorders have been shown to result from mutations in mitochondrial DNA. Because mitochondria come only from the egg, they are inherited exclusively from the mother. A person with a mitochondrial disorder may exhibit maternal inheritance (only individuals related by a maternal relative are at risk). Fathers do not pass on the disease. Mitochondrial disorders can appear at any age with a wide variety of non-specific symptoms and signs. These disorders may cause metabolic disturbances, developmental delay, blindness, hearing loss, heart rhythm problems, short stature, and gastrointestinal problems.
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