Inheritance

• Polydactyly is an inherited dominant disorder where you get extra fingers or toes
• Cystic fibrosis is a recessive disease
• Those infected with cystic fibrosis secrete extra thick mucus. This can cause huge breathing difficulties and can be treated by daily massages
• Embryonic screenings take place in order to test for alleles:

  • amniocentesis- a sample of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus can be tested
  • chorionic villous sampling- a sample from the placenta
• Embryonic screening is very expensive, but the test can be less expensive than having to take care of a disabled child