Give examples of an autosomal recessive trait and an autosomal dominant disorder.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

An example of an autosomal recessive trait is phenylketonuria, in which affected individuals inherit one mutated copy of the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene from each parent (homozygous). The resulting inability to convert phenylalanine to tyrosine requires lifelong phenylalanine restriction to prevent mental retardation. Familial hypercholesterolemia is an example of an autosomal dominant disorder and is characterized by absence or mutation of LDL receptors leading to severely elevated LDL cholesterol levels and risk of early myocardial infarction and death.