Alternate Names : Genetic Markers, Heredity and Disease, Heritable, Heterozygous, Homozygous, Inheritance, Inheritance Patterns

Definition

It is common knowledge that a person's appearance -- height, hair color, skin color, and eye color -- are determined by genes. Mental abilities and natural talents are also affected by heredity, as is the susceptibility to acquire certain diseases.

An inherited, abnormal trait or "anomaly" may:

• Have no consequence to a person's health or well being (for example, a white patch of hair or an extended ear lobe).
• Be of minor consequence (for example, color blindness).
• Have dramatic effect on the quality or length of life.

For most genetic disorders, genetic counseling is advised. Many people may also want to seek prenatal diagnosis.

The terms anomaly, abnormality, disorder, defect, disease, and syndrome are not used consistently, and do not have precise definitions.