Diseases arise through a variety of mechanisms, primarily through inherited genetic mutations or acquired mutations that develop during a person's lifetime.
Genetic Inheritance
Some diseases are present from birth because they are caused by mutations passed down from parents.
- Inherited Mutations: These mutations exist in the genes of the parents and are transmitted to their offspring.
- Example: Sickle cell disease is a classic example of a disease caused by an inherited mutation that affects the shape of red blood cells. According to the reference, sickle cell disease is caused by mutations inherited from the parents and are present in an individual at birth.
Acquired Mutations
Other diseases are a result of mutations that occur during a person’s life.
- Acquired Mutations: These are changes in the DNA that happen after conception and throughout life.
- They can be triggered by factors like:
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Radiation
- Errors during cell division
- Gene or Group of Genes: Acquired mutations can affect a single gene or a group of genes, leading to the development of various diseases.
- They can be triggered by factors like:
Therefore, diseases can originate from genetic predispositions inherited from parents or from mutations acquired throughout a person's lifetime due to various environmental or internal factors.
