Word: Autosomal Recessive Disease
Definition: An "autosomal recessive disease" is a type of illness that happens when a person inherits two copies of a mutated gene (one from each parent) on any of the chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes (these are called autosomes). This means that both parents must carry the gene for the disease, even if they do not show any symptoms themselves.
Usage Instructions: - Use "autosomal recessive disease" when discussing genetic conditions that require both parents to pass on a specific gene for the disease to appear in their child. - This term is commonly used in medical or genetic contexts.
Example: - "Cystic fibrosis is an example of an autosomal recessive disease; a child must inherit the faulty gene from both parents to develop the condition."
Advanced Usage: In advanced discussions, you might encounter terms such as "genotype" (the genetic constitution of an individual) and "phenotype" (the observable characteristics). You could say: - "The phenotype of individuals with an autosomal recessive disease will only manifest if their genotype carries the recessive alleles."
Word Variants: - "Autosomal" (adjective): Relating to non-sex chromosomes. - "Recessive" (adjective): A type of gene that must be present in two copies to show its effects.
Different Meaning:While "autosomal recessive disease" specifically refers to genetic diseases, the words "autosomal" and "recessive" can be used in broader contexts in genetics. For example, "autosomal" can refer to any characteristics related to the autosomes, and "recessive" can describe traits that are not expressed unless two copies of the gene are present.
Synonyms:There are no direct synonyms for "autosomal recessive disease," but related terms include: - "Recessive genetic disorder" - "Hereditary disease" (though this is broader and includes other types of inheritance patterns).
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "autosomal recessive disease." However, in a broader sense, you might encounter phrases like "carry a gene" (to have a gene that may not cause symptoms but can be passed to offspring).
Summary: An autosomal recessive disease is a genetic condition that appears when a person inherits two copies of a mutated gene from both parents.