Beta thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Understanding how beta thalassemia is transmitted through generations can be crucial for families with a history of the condition. A pedigree chart is a helpful tool that visually represents the inheritance pattern of a genetic disorder within a family.
Inheritance of beta thalassemia follows an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that an individual must inherit two copies of the mutated beta globin gene, one from each parent, to develop the disorder. If only one parent carries the mutated gene, the child will be a carrier of beta thalassemia but will not have the full-blown disease.
Pedigree Chart Of Beta Thalassemia Transmission
When both parents are carriers of the beta thalassemia gene, each child has a 25% chance of inheriting two copies of the mutated gene and developing beta thalassemia, a 50% chance of being a carrier like their parents, and a 25% chance of not inheriting any mutated genes. This inheritance pattern is depicted in a pedigree chart, showing how beta thalassemia can be passed down through multiple generations.
Interpreting a Pedigree Chart for Beta Thalassemia
When looking at a pedigree chart for beta thalassemia, carriers of the mutated gene are typically represented by a half-filled symbol. Individuals with the full-blown disorder are shown with a fully filled symbol. By analyzing the chart, you can trace how beta thalassemia has been transmitted within a family over time and predict the likelihood of future generations being affected by the disorder.
Consulting with a genetic counselor and conducting genetic testing can provide more detailed information about the risk of passing beta thalassemia to future offspring. By understanding the pedigree chart of beta thalassemia transmission, families can make informed decisions about family planning and genetic counseling to manage the risk of the disorder within their lineage.
Download Pedigree Chart Of Beta Thalassemia Transmission
Prepare A Pedigree Chart For Blood Group Fig 12 A Classical Pedigree
Beta Thalassemia Genotypes
Beta Thalassemia Genotypes
Beta Thalassemia MedlinePlus Genetics