May 17, 2013
Autosomal recessive is one of several ways that a trait, disorder, or disease can be passed down through families.
An autosomal recessive disorder means two copies of an abnormal gene must be present in order for the disease or trait to develop.
Back to TopAlternative Names
Genetics - autosomal recessive; Inheritance - autosomal recessive
Back to TopInformation
Inheritance of a specific disease, condition, or trait depends on the type of chromosome affected (autosomal or sex chromosome) whether the trait is is dominant or recessive.
Genes come in pairs. Recessive inheritance means BOTH genes in a pair must be defective to cause disease. If a person only has one defective gene in the pair, they are considered a carrier. However, they can pass the abnormal gene to their children.
CHANCES OF INHERITING A TRAIT
For example, if you are born to parents who both carry the autosomal recessive gene, you have a one in four chance of getting the genes from both parents and developing the disease. You have a 50% chance of inheriting one abnormal gene, which makes you a carrier.
In other words, if four children are born to a couple who both carry the gene (but do not have signs of disease), the STATISTICAL expectation is as follows:
- 1 child is born with 2 normal chromosomes (normal)
- 2 children are born with 1 normal and 1 abnormal chromosome (carriers, without disease)
- 1 child is born with 2 abnormal chromosomes (has the disease)
Note: This does not mean that children WILL necessarily be affected.
MOST POPULAR - HEALTH
- Well: The Scientific 7-Minute Workout
- For Gay Men, a Fear That Feels Familiar
- The Health Toll of Immigration
- No Benefit Seen in Sharp Limits on Salt in Diet
- The New Old Age: After the Denial Letter Arrives
- Well: Flu in Pregnancy Is Linked to Bipolar Disorder
- Well: Focaccia Five Ways
- Well: Smoke Permeates Nonsmoking Hotel Rooms
- Well: Marathon Training, Minus the Long Run
- Single Yellow Fever Shot Offers Lifetime Protection, W.H.O. Says