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Name: _____________________________________________________ Date: October 19,2010 Section: _______
Movie: Lorenzo’s Oil
The disease portrayed in the movie is called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Very simply, this disease is due to the removal of white,
lipid sheaths (myelin) that surround long thin cells called neurons. The story of this family is actually quite famous and there quite a
bit on the internet. Please answer the following questions, in complete sentences, for homework or during the movie. You are
encouraged to discuss your answers and research this story outside of class. Please be sure your answer is related to the question.
1. The movie describes the action of what two enzymes? What do the enzymes do and where are they located? Be specific and
include a pathway diagram. (A-B)
2. The defective allele for ALD codes for what protein? What is the role of the protein in a normal human? Be specific.
3.. Does Lorenzo have one or two copies of the gene that causes ALD? How is the gene inherited? Does his mother or father have
one or two copies?
4. Most (but not all) inherited diseases like ALD or cystic fibrosis are recessive diseases. What does the phrase "recessive disease"
mean?
5. When are boys more likely to have an inherited (recessive) disease than a girl?