2012 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2012. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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Can you have a mutation where one leg or arm is longer than the other?
     Barbara Biesecker, Ph.D.: I am an Associate Investigator and Genetic Counselor in NHGRI's Social and Behavioral Research Branch. I direct the JHU/NHGRI Genetic Counseling Training Program and have been doing genetic counseling for thirty years. My primary interests are in achieving quality of life for those affected with a genetic condition or at risk. Limb length discrepancy (one longer than the other) on one side of the body is due to a disruption in development in that limb in the womb. The cells that grow into the limb are interrupted. It's not usually not due to a single mutation.
Peru High School in IN (9th grade student)

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