Genetic disorders, or genetic diseases, are diseases caused by an abnormality in an individual's DNA. Genes are passed from parent to child and are the building blocks of heredity. Genes hold DNA, which are the instructions for making proteins. Proteins have many functions, including building structures and moving molecules from one place to another.
A genetic disorder occurs when there is a change, or mutation, in at least one gene. The mutation changes the gene’s DNA for making proteins, so the protein is missing or does not work properly.
A gene mutation can be inherited from one or both parents or it can happen during your lifetime.
Read more about genetic disorders and types of genetic diseases by clicking on the links below.