Final answer:
Hemophilia is a genetic disorder causing blood clotting dysfunction due to insufficient production of clotting factors, mainly factor VIII in hemophilia A, factor IX in hemophilia B, and factor XI in the rarer hemophilia C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The genetic disorder characterized by the inability of the blood to clot properly is known as hemophilia. This condition arises due to inadequate synthesis of clotting factors, which are normally released by platelets. There are several types of hemophilia, with hemophilia A being the most common, caused by insufficient quantities of factor VIII. Hemophilia B, resulting from a deficiency of factor IX, is the second most common. Both A and B forms are linked to the X chromosome. Hemophilia C, which affects factor XI, is rarer and linked to an autosomal chromosome.
These clotting factor deficiencies result in symptoms such as uncontrolled bleeding from minor injuries and internal bleeding into muscles, joints, urine, and stool. Treatment often involves regular infusions of clotting factors to prevent excessive bleeding. Over time, genetic therapy may become a treatment option for those with hemophilia.