The Nature of Genetic Diseases - Article Example

Genetic disorders are abnormalities in the genetic makeup of the body, also known as the genome. The genetic makeup of the body contains instructions required for the development of body structures to ensure proper bodily functions. Abnormalities in these codes can cause fatal diseases. Genetic diseases are caused by gene mutations, genetic and environmental factors, and chromosomal errors (NG, Zazove, Sobel. Genes are a part of DNA, which carry codes for proteins, responsible for performing vital functions in the body.

Any alteration of the gene is called a mutation. It distorts the structure of proteins they encode, disrupting their function and causing diseases. Single-gene disorders result from mutation in a single gene. Multiple gene mutations coupled with environmental factors lead to multi-factorial disorders. Another cause of genetic disorders is chromosomal errors. Chromosomes are structures that carry DNA and genes. Errors such as a change in the number of chromosomes cause genetic diseases. An excess or lack of chromosomes results in inappropriate numbers of genes which eventually affects bodily functions.

Also, at times, parts of chromosomes are missing or transfer between chromosomes, which lead to diseases. Moreover, mutations can occur in the chromosomes of mitochondria; organelles responsible for cellular respiration, and cause problems such as blindness. The advisable measure for genetic disorders, today, is genetic counseling. However, the new focus on genetics is sure to make groundbreaking discoveries that help cure genetic diseases.