Recessive genetic conditions are those that are only expressed when two copies of the mutated gene are inherited, one from each parent. The spelling of "recessive" is /ɹɪˈsɛsɪv/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first sound is the "r" sound, followed by the short "i" sound. The stress is on the second syllable, which has the "e" sound. The last syllable is pronounced with the "s" sound before the long "e" sound, and ends with the "v" sound. Understanding the phonetic transcription can help with the pronunciation and spelling of words.
Recessive genetic conditions refer to inherited disorders or diseases that require the presence of two copies of an abnormal gene in order to manifest in an individual. These conditions are caused by recessive genes, which are genetic variants that generally do not cause any negative effects when present in a single copy. In other words, a recessive condition is only expressed when an individual has inherited two copies of the abnormal gene, one from each parent.
When both parents carry a single copy of the recessive gene, they are considered carriers of the condition. Carriers are typically unaffected by the condition themselves, but they have the potential to pass on the abnormal gene to their children. If a child inherits a recessive gene from both parents, they will be affected by the genetic condition.
Recessive genetic conditions can vary widely in their symptoms and severity. Some examples include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, and phenylketonuria. These conditions often result from mutations in specific genes that affect the body's ability to produce certain proteins or enzymes necessary for normal function.
Due to the recessive nature of these conditions, affected individuals often have unaffected parents who are carriers. This can make it challenging to identify carriers without genetic testing. Genetic counseling and preconception screening can be important strategies to identify carriers and provide individuals with risk information, allowing them to make informed decisions about family planning.