Final answer:
Inherited genetic disorders are categorized into four types: single gene, multi-factorial, chromosome abnormalities, and mitochondrial inheritance, each with distinct hereditary patterns and treatment options.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are four types of inherited genetic disorders:
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- Single Gene inheritance involves disorders caused by mutations in a single gene. Examples include cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.
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- Multi-factorial inheritance involves the interplay between genetic and environmental factors, leading to disorders like heart disease and diabetes.
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- Chromosome abnormalities occur due to an abnormal number or structure of chromosomes. Down syndrome, caused by an extra chromosome 21, is a common example.
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- Mitochondrial inheritance involves genes in mitochondrial DNA. Disorders are passed from mother to child, examples being Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy.
These types of disorders are compared based on their hereditary patterns, affected genetic material, and potential treatments. Gene therapy is a developing treatment that might address some of these disorders by correcting the genes responsible for the disease.