What kind of genes do i have

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Even if you don't have the mutated gene, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll never get the disease. Also, genetic testing may not be able to detect all genetic defects. In some cases, a genetic test may not provide helpful information about the gene in question.

Everyone has variations in the way genes appear, and often these variations don't affect your health. But sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between a disease-causing gene and a harmless gene variation. These changes are called variants of uncertain significance. In these situations, follow-up testing or periodic reviews of the gene over time may be necessary.

No matter what the results of your genetic testing, talk with your doctor, medical geneticist or genetic counselor about questions or concerns you may have. This will help you understand what the results mean for you and your family. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Genetic testing care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Genetic testing involves examining your DNA, the chemical database that carries instructions for your body's functions.

More Information Genetic testing care at Mayo Clinic Diagnosing spinal muscular atrophy Spinal muscular atrophy: Are my future children at risk? Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references National Library of Medicine. Help me understand genetics. Genetics Home Reference. Accessed Feb. Frequently asked questions about genetic testing. National Human Genome Research Institute. Genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes.

National Cancer Institute. Raby BA, et al. A worldwide research project called The Human Genome Project created a map of all human genes. It shows where the genes are located on the chromosomes. Doctors can use this map to find and treat or cure some kinds of genetic disorders. There is hope that treatments for many genetic disorders will be developed in the future. Reviewed by: Amy W.

Anzilotti, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Genetics? What Are Genes? What Is a Chromosome? Every normal cell has 23 pairs of chromosomes for a total of 46 : 22 pairs of chromosomes are the same in males and females.

Some types of cancer are triggered by environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle. For example, prolonged exposure to the sun is linked to melanoma. Avoiding such triggers means significantly reducing the risks. Related parents are more likely than unrelated parents to have children with health problems or genetic conditions. This is because the two parents share one or more common ancestors and so carry some of the same genetic material. If both partners carry the same inherited gene change, their children are more likely to have a genetic condition.

Related couples are recommended to seek advice from a clinical genetics service if their family has a history of a genetic condition. If a family member has been diagnosed with a genetic condition, or if you know that a genetic condition runs in your family, it can be helpful to speak to a genetic counsellor. Genetic counsellors are health professionals qualified in both counselling and genetics.

As well as providing emotional support, they can help you to understand a genetic condition and what causes it, how it is inherited if it is , and what a diagnosis means for you and your family.

Genetic counsellors are trained to provide information and support that is sensitive to your family circumstances, culture and beliefs. Genetic services in Victoria provide genetic consultation, counselling, testing and diagnostic services for children, adults, families, and prospective parents. They also provide referral to community resources, including support groups, if needed. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. The characteristic features of Angelman syndrome are not always obvious at birth, but develop during childhood.

Latest research suggests that most cancers are caused by environmental rather than genetic factors. Folic acid taken before conception, and during at least the first four weeks of pregnancy, can prevent around seven out of 10 cases of neural tube defects.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is the most common inherited disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. Most cleft palates and cleft lips can be repaired so that appearance and speech develop normally. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Genetic conditions. Home Genetic conditions. Genes and genetics explained. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet.

On this page. Chromosomes How we inherit characteristics Dominant and recessive genes Co-dominant genes Gene changes in cells Genetic conditions Genes and genetics — related parents Genetic counselling and testing Where to get help.

Chromosomes Humans typically have 46 chromosomes in each cell of their body, made up of 22 paired chromosomes and two sex chromosomes.

How we inherit characteristics Parents pass on traits or characteristics, such as eye colour and blood type, to their children through their genes. Examples of inheritance patterns include: autosomal dominant — where the gene for a trait or condition is dominant, and is on a non-sex chromosome autosomal recessive — where the gene for a trait or condition is recessive, and is on a non-sex chromosome X-linked dominant — where the gene for a trait or condition is dominant, and is on the X-chromosome X-linked recessive — where the gene for a trait or condition is recessive, and is on the X-chromosome Y-linked — where the gene for a trait or condition is on the Y-chromosome co-dominant — where each allele in a gene pair carries equal weight and produces a combined physical characteristic mitochondrial — where the gene for a trait or condition is in your mitochondrial DNA, which sits in the mitochondria powerhouse of your cells.

Eye colour The allele for brown eyes B is dominant over the allele for blue eyes b. Blood groups For blood groups, the alleles are A, B and O.

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