Download MedlinePlus genetic disorders

Many factors contribute to the transmittance of diseases – lifestyle, inheritance, and environment. When
people make key lifestyle choices, they are in essence running the risk of developing disease. Smoking and
obesity are ranked as the two highest factors in preventable deaths. Therefore, choosing to maintain a healthy
body, both in weight and in lifestyle choice, reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer.
Genetic disorders may also be caused by chromosomal abnormalities. They are diseases caused by a
different form of a gene called a variation, or an alteration of a gene called a mutation. Some genetic diseases,
including many cancers, are caused by a mutation in a gene or group of genes in a person's cells. These
mutations can occur randomly or because of an environmental exposure such as cigarette smoke. Other
genetic disorders are inherited. A mutated gene is passed down through a family and each generation of
children can inherit the gene that causes the disease. Still other genetic disorders are due to problems with the
number of packages of genes called chromosomes. In Down syndrome, for example, there is an extra copy of
chromosome 21. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/geneticdisorders.html)
Diseases to choose from:
Sickle Cell Anemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Klinefelter Syndrome, Cri du chat
Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Reciprocal Translocation, Philadelphia Chromosome, Robertsonian
Translocation, Hemochromatosis, Hemophilia, PKU, Huntington Disease, Marfan Syndrome, Tay-Sachs
Disease, Alzheimer Disease, Polycystic Kidney Disease
Poster guidelines:
The poster must:
Explain what genetic diseases are and provide several examples. 15 pts.
List the chosen disease and explain the affects it has on the body. 25 pts
Include two illustrations that supports or enhances the description. 10 pts.
Show proper citations for the sources used in research. 10 pts
Be colorful, organized, and informative. Legible with correct spelling and grammar. 10 pts
The poster must answer the following questions:
Which organs or parts of the body are most affected by the disorder? 10 pts.
How can the disorder be treated to minimize affects on the carrier? 10 pts.
What is genetic testing and when do doctors use it? 10 pts.
The following links offer information on several genetic diseases:
Your genes your health- multimedia guide
http://www.ygyh.org/
MedlinePlus genetic disorders
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/geneticdisorders.html