Sickle Cell Anemia Blood disorder, inherited disease where a person inherits a mutant gene form each parent for the manufacture of hemoglobin. Red blood cells are have a different shape. The person inherits 2 sickle cell genes, it affects red blood cells, 10% of African Americans carry the trait, people who have this trait are partially resistant to the disease malaria. In some parts of African as many as 40% carry. The vitamin taken for help is folic acid.

Muscular Dystrophy A group of inherited disorders that involve muscle weakness which worsen over ones lifetime. There are more than 30 types of MD, it is caused by the absence of a protein, affects the legs first then the other limbs and can even affect organs and the heart.

Cystic Fibrosis A genetic disorder where the body produces abnormally thick mucus fills the lungs and intestines. It makes it very difficult for the person to breathe. It is caused by a recessive allele on one chromosome. Folic acid is taken for help.

Hemophilia genetic disorder where a persons blood clots very slow or not at all. People with this disorder do not produce a special protein needed for normal blood clotting. There is a severe danger of internal bleeding from bumps, cuts and bruises. Often called bleeders disease. It is more frequent in males and can be traced to Queen Victoria in England.

Down Syndrome In Down Syndrome cells have an extra copy of chromosome 21. There is some mental retardation, various physical problems and heart defects are common. However, many people with Down Syndrome can lead normal active lives and make contributions to society.

Colorblindness When a person is colorblind they cannot see the difference between certain colors, such as red and green. It occurs more frequently in males. It is caused by a recessive allele on the x chromosome. Male can get this with one one recessive allele but females need two. Travels with the x chromosome.

Male Patterned Baldness More common amongst men but found in some women. Typically men inherit this gene and it is related to the male sex hormone, but scientists are not certain how a persons sex influences the expression of certain genes.

Detecting and curing Genetic disorders There are several tests that can be done while the baby is still inside the mother. Fluids are removed from the sac of fluid surrounding the baby and they are tested. Parents who are concerned about genetic disorders that may be passed on the trait present in their family should contact a counselor before having children. A cure was found in 1989 for Cystic fibrosis. At this time there are no cures for other ngenetic disorders, research is ongoing.

Environmental and Lifestyle Impacts From the environment people A persons lifestyle choices affect their genes. Diet lacking protein, minerals, or certain vitamins can do simple things like stunt your growth, exercise, sanitation (trash), hygiene, medical care, personal health all may play a role in development . Twins are often studied for environmental traits.