Why is albinism a genetic disease?

Albinism is a genetic disease due to the lack of the pigment melanin in the body. Melanin is responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism have little or no melanin, which causes their skin, hair, and eyes to be very light in color or white.

Albinism is an inherited disorder, which means that it is passed down from parents to children through their genes. There are several types of albinism, but all of them are caused by mutations, or changes, in specific genes. These mutations affect the production of melanin in the body.

In most cases, albinism is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that in order for a child to have albinism, they must receive two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent. If a child only inherits one copy of the mutated gene, they will not have albinism, but they may be a carrier of the gene and could potentially pass it on to their children.

In rare cases, albinism can also be inherited in an X-linked pattern. This means that the mutated gene responsible for albinism is located on the X chromosome. Males are more likely to have X-linked albinism because they only have one X chromosome, while females have two.

Albinism is not a life-threatening condition, but it can cause some challenges, such as sun sensitivity and vision problems. However, with proper care and support, people with albinism can live healthy and fulfilling lives.