Single Gene (Monogenic) Conditions
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Other single gene conditions only develop when the person inherits two mutations in the same gene on one of the autosomes – one from each parent. These mutations are known as autosomal recessive. An individual with only one copy of a recessive gene mutation does not develop the disease and is instead called a carrier. Some examples of autosomal recessive, single gene conditions are cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and sickle cell anaemia. In these conditions two copies of a mutation in the gene – one from each parent – must be present for a child to develop the condition.
When a mutation exists in a gene on the X chromosome, an X-linked condition may result. An example of an X-linked condition is hemophilia.
For more information about these conditions and how they happen go to:
Utah Genetics Education
Single gene conditions (also called monogenic conditions) are caused by abnormalities, or mutations, of a single gene. These conditions can be severe or harmless, and though most are rare, some can be common. Familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that can lead to high levels of a harmful form of cholesterol, is an example of a common single gene condition.
Single gene conditions can have either a dominant or a recessive inheritance pattern. Familial polyposis is a single gene condition that results from a dominant mutation. Dominant inheritance means that the condition occurs when only one copy of a gene pair has a mutation. Familial polyposis often results in cancer of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. continued…