2010 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript
This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2010. 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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Does genetic information pass through the dominant or recessive cells?
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Emily Edelman, M.S., C.G.C.:
I am a genetic counselor who coordinates multiple projects at a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education in genetics to healthcare providers. I currently work with other genetic counselors, scientists, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, bioethicists, patient advocates, and other health professionals. I also have experience in providing genetic counseling to individuals with a family history of cancer, and other rare and common conditions.
There are no dominant or recessive cells. Almost all cells go through mitosis and make a copy of the genetic information DNA. Certain genes are expressed as dominant genes, where only one copy of the gene pair needs to be changed, or mutated, for the person to express the associated disease. An example is Marfan syndrome or Huntington disease. Other genes are expressed as recessive genes, where both copies of the gene must be mutated for an individual to express the disease. Examples here are Tay-Sach's disease or cystic fibrosis.
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| Northern high school in MI (11th grade student) |
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