What types of genetic disorders are there?
There are 5 types of genetic disorders: • Single gene or Mendelian disorders. These result when a mutation causes a single gene to be altered or missing. Single gene disorders are typically described as inherited in families, since they are passed from one generation to the next. • Multifactorial or complex disorders. These are related to mutations in a number of genes, often coupled with an environmental influence. Environmental factors include things like alcohol or drug use, maternal infections, and exposure to hazardous materials. These disorders tend to run in families, although a pattern of inheritance is often difficult to identify. • Mitochondrial disorders. These disorders result from mutations in DNA found outside the cell nucleus in mitochondria. If there is a mitochondrial gene mutation, energy production is affected. The DNA in mitochondria is inherited only from the mother. • Chromosomal disorders. These disorders result when entire chromosomes or parts of chromosomes are
