A couple wants children, but the man is hesitant because he had an older brother

Question

A couple wants children, but the man is hesitant because he had an older brother who died of a genetic disorder and he is worried that he may have that gene that can be passed on. He say it's "recessive" and can skip a generation. What can be told to this couple in regards to the following:

* What are the statistical chances of their children having the genetic disorder?

* What are the statistical chances of their children carrying the genetic disorder? (Define te term carrier)

* How are generations of their off-spring vulnerable to this condition?

* How does the occurrence of such a genetic disorder potentially change over several generations?

*. Explain the concept of "skipping generations"

Explanation / Answer

The male may be heterozygous for the genetical disorder while female is having no disorder, Then Ab x AB 50% of offspring carry the trait. If the man does not carry the disease trait, then AB x AB does not produce any offspring containing the genetic disease trait. When both the parent are carriers of the disease trait, then Ab x Ab results in 50% of carriers and 25% of offspring produced are affected.

If the individual is without disease trait having brother or father affected, the offspring produced may be carriers and 25% atleast are affected.

Over generations, the genetic trait causing disease is passed continuously when the affected individuals produce offspring. Even the carriers can produce carriers and affected offspring.

After several generations, the disease trait may be lost when it is recessive. When one of the parents is heterozygous for condition or do not have the trait the offspring produced might be carrier or does not contain the trait.

Healty individuals with family history of disease trait are vlnerable of producing carrier or affected offspring. But, over generations, the recessive trait may be lost.

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