Skip to main content
Ch. 9 - The Molecular Biology of Translation
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 9, Problem B.9

If a man and a woman are each heterozygous carriers of a mutation causing a disease on the RUSP list, what do you think are the three or four most important factors they should consider in their decision making about having children?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that being heterozygous carriers means each parent has one normal allele and one mutated allele for the disease gene, which is typically autosomal recessive in nature.
Recognize that if both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that the child will inherit two mutated alleles and be affected by the disease, a 50% chance the child will be a carrier like the parents, and a 25% chance the child will inherit two normal alleles.
Consider the severity and treatability of the disease on the RUSP list, including how it might affect the child's quality of life and life expectancy, as this impacts the decision-making process.
Evaluate available reproductive options such as genetic counseling, prenatal testing, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), or the use of donor gametes to reduce the risk of having an affected child.
Reflect on personal, ethical, and emotional factors, including family support, values, and readiness to manage a child with a genetic condition, as these are crucial in making an informed decision.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Autosomal Recessive Inheritance

This inheritance pattern means that a child must inherit two copies of a mutated gene, one from each parent, to express the disease. Heterozygous carriers have one normal and one mutated allele and typically do not show symptoms but can pass the mutation to offspring. Understanding this helps assess the risk of having an affected child.
Recommended video:
Guided course
09:08
Autosomal Pedigrees

Carrier Screening and Genetic Testing

Carrier screening identifies whether individuals carry mutations for specific genetic disorders, such as those on the RUSP list. Genetic testing can provide information about the likelihood of passing the disease to children, enabling informed reproductive decisions and consideration of options like IVF with genetic diagnosis.
Recommended video:
Guided course
11:35
History of Genetics

Reproductive Options and Counseling

Couples with carrier status should explore reproductive choices including natural conception with prenatal testing, use of donor gametes, adoption, or assisted reproductive technologies. Genetic counseling offers guidance on risks, implications, and emotional support to help make informed decisions aligned with their values.
Recommended video:
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Identify the amino acid carried by tRNAs with the following anticodon sequences.

5′-GAU-3′

538
views
Textbook Question

For each of the anticodon sequences given in the previous problem, identify the other codon sequence to which it could potentially pair using third base wobble.

355
views
Textbook Question

What is the role of codons UAA, UGA, and UAG in translation? What events occur when one of these codons appears at the A site of the ribosome?

1183
views
Textbook Question

Compare and contrast the composition and structure of bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes, identifying at least three features that are the same and three features that are unique to each type of ribosome.

573
views
Textbook Question

Suppose a man and a woman are each heterozygous carriers of a mutation causing a fatal hereditary disease not on the RUSP list. Prenatal genetic testing can identify the genotype of a fetus with regard to this disease and can identify fetuses with the disease. What do you think are the three or four most important factors this couple should consider in their decision making about having children?

551
views
Textbook Question

Consider translation of the following mRNA sequence:

5′-...AUGCAGAUCCAUGCCUAUUGA...-3′

Diagram translation at the moment the fourth amino acid is added to the polypeptide chain. Show the ribosome; label its A, P, and E sites; show its direction of movement; and indicate the position and anticodon triplet sequence of tRNAs that are currently interacting with mRNA codons.

723
views