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Question

Of the following diseases which one is a genetic disorder

The correct answer is Haemophilia

Understanding Genetic Disorders

A genetic disorder is a health problem caused by one or more abnormalities in the genome. It can be caused by a mutation in a single gene, a mutation in multiple genes, or a combination of gene mutations and environmental factors. Some genetic disorders are inherited from parents, while others happen spontaneously.

Let's examine the given options to determine which one is classified as a genetic disorder.

Analyzing the Diseases: Which is Genetic?

1. Rheumatic Arthritis

Rheumatic Arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, specifically the joints. While genetic factors can increase a person's susceptibility to developing Rheumatic Arthritis, it is not purely a genetic disorder in the same way as diseases caused directly by a specific gene mutation.

2. Leprosy

Leprosy is an infectious disease. It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae. Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, not by abnormalities in a person's genes.

3. Haemophilia

Haemophilia is a bleeding disorder. It is caused by mutations in the genes that provide instructions for making blood clotting factor proteins. These factors are essential for blood to clot properly. Because Haemophilia is caused by specific gene mutations that are typically inherited (often in an X-linked recessive pattern), it is classified as a genetic disorder.

4. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

AIDS is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. AIDS is an infectious disease transmitted through specific bodily fluids, not a genetic disorder caused by inherited or spontaneous gene mutations.

Identifying the Genetic Disorder Among Options

Based on the analysis of each option:

  • Rheumatic Arthritis: Autoimmune disease with genetic predisposition, but not primarily a genetic disorder.
  • Leprosy: Infectious disease caused by bacteria.
  • Haemophilia: Disorder caused by specific gene mutations affecting blood clotting factors; a genetic disorder.
  • AIDS: Infectious disease caused by a virus.

Therefore, Haemophilia is the disease among the options that is classified as a genetic disorder.

Comparison of Diseases
Disease Primary Classification Cause
Rheumatic Arthritis Autoimmune Disease Immune system attacking body's tissues (joints)
Leprosy Infectious Disease Bacteria (Mycobacterium leprae)
Haemophilia Genetic Disorder Mutations in blood clotting factor genes
AIDS Infectious Disease Virus (HIV)

Revision Table: Genetic Disorders & Diseases

Key Concepts Review
Term Definition/Cause Example (from options)
Genetic Disorder Caused by abnormalities in genome/gene mutations Haemophilia
Infectious Disease Caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, etc.) Leprosy, AIDS
Autoimmune Disease Immune system attacks body's own tissues Rheumatic Arthritis

Additional Information: Types of Genetic Disorders

Genetic disorders can be broadly categorized into several types:

  • Single-gene disorders (Mendelian disorders): Caused by mutations in a single gene. They can be autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked. Haemophilia is typically an X-linked recessive single-gene disorder.
  • Chromosomal disorders: Caused by abnormalities in the number or structure of chromosomes. Examples include Down syndrome (extra copy of chromosome 21).
  • Complex or multifactorial disorders: Caused by a combination of gene mutations and environmental factors. Examples include heart disease, diabetes, and many cancers. Rheumatic Arthritis is often considered to have a multifactorial basis with a genetic component.

Understanding the basic cause of a disease helps in classifying it correctly as genetic, infectious, autoimmune, or other categories.

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