Final answer:
Mitochondrial diseases can cause symptoms that affect different parts of the body, even within the same family. In Jasmin's case, her symptoms in her legs, eyes, and digestive system can be attributed to the malfunctioning of mitochondria in various cells of her body.
Step-by-step explanation:
A seemingly confusing aspect of mitochondrial diseases is that the type of symptoms, severity of symptoms, and age of onset can vary wildly between people - even within the same family! Mitochondrial diseases can cause problems in mitochondria in any cell of the body, including muscle cells and cells of the nervous system, which includes the brain and nerves. In Jasmin's case, her symptoms affecting her legs, eyes, and digestive system can be explained by the fact that all the cells in the body require energy from functioning mitochondria, and when they are not functioning properly, a variety of symptoms can arise.
Jasmin's symptoms are due to a mitochondrial disease, which has systemic effects on multiple parts of her body because mitochondria are essential in energy production for all body cells. Different symptoms occur due to varying amounts of damaged mitochondria inherited in cells. Mitochondrial disease treatment and diagnosis require specialized medical genetics knowledge.
Jasmin's symptoms that affect multiple parts of her body, such as her legs, eyes, and digestive system, are likely due to the systemic effects of a mitochondrial disease. Mitochondria produce energy for cells through processes like the Krebs cycle and electron transport, which are critical for the functioning of all body cells. When these processes are disrupted by mitochondrial diseases, it can result in a variety of symptoms including muscle weakness, lack of coordination, stroke-like episodes, loss of vision, and hearing.
Inherited mitochondrial diseases can cause problems in any cell of the body as they vary in the amount of damaged mitochondria passed on during cell division, explaining the different symptoms that may arise. These diseases are often diagnosed in childhood, but some have adult-onset, as in Jasmin's case. The mitochondrial DNA mutations affecting the energy production in cells lead to symptoms like blurry vision, muscle spasms, extreme fatigue, particularly after running, and vomiting.
Professionals such as a Mitochondrial Disease Physician, who specialize in medical genetics can provide diagnosis and treatment for these disorders. This profession requires extensive education, including college and medical school, followed by specialization in medical genetics and certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics.