Genetic disorders and Mutation
Your genes, chromosomes and DNA
Your body is made up of tightly coiled strands of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Genes
are segments of DNA that determine specific traits, such as eye or hair color. You
have more than 20,000 genes. You have two copies of each gene – one inherited
from each of your parents.
A mutation is a change in your DNA. A gene mutation is a change in or damage to a gene. A
mutation can be inherited or acquired during your lifetime as cells age or are exposed to
certain chemicals. These changes in your DNA can result in genetic disorders.
Observations of the way traits, or characteristics, are passed from one generation to the next in the form of identifiable phenotypes probably represent the oldest form of genetics.