Hereditary hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet. This excess iron is stored in the body's tissues and organs, particularly the skin, heart, liver, pancreas, and joints. Because humans cannot increase the excretion of iron, excess iron can overload and eventually damage tissues and organs. Anthony and Melinda met at a support group for individuals who have hereditary hemochromatosis. They were advised by their genetic counselor that it would be risky to have children, since both of them are homozygous for the same recessive allele that causes this condition. Nevertheless, they decided to have a child together. During Melinda’s pregnancy, amniocentesis and genetic testing were performed, and it was confirmed the fetus was homozygous for the hereditary hemochromatosis allele. At birth, the baby appeared completely normal, and as the child continued to grow and mature, the couple were surprised that he seemed to be perfectly healthy. Name and define this genetic phenomenon and explain how it relates to this specific genetic situation described above.
Hereditary hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet. This excess iron is stored in the body's tissues and organs, particularly the skin, heart, liver, pancreas, and joints. Because humans cannot increase the excretion of iron, excess iron can overload and eventually damage tissues and organs.
Anthony and Melinda met at a support group for individuals who have hereditary hemochromatosis. They were advised by their genetic counselor that it would be risky to have children, since both of them are homozygous for the same recessive allele that causes this condition. Nevertheless, they decided to have a child together. During Melinda’s pregnancy, amniocentesis and genetic testing were performed, and it was confirmed the fetus was homozygous for the hereditary hemochromatosis allele. At birth, the baby appeared completely normal, and as the child continued to grow and mature, the couple were surprised that he seemed to be perfectly healthy. Name and define this genetic phenomenon and explain how it relates to this specific genetic situation described above.
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