Asked by Michelle DeMars on Jul 20, 2024
Verified
Kendon and Sharice just had a baby who was diagnosed with phenylketonuria. Describe this disorder. How can Kendon and Sharice ensure that their son will not develop permanent intellectual disability?
Phenylketonuria
A genetic disorder characterized by the body's inability to break down the amino acid phenylalanine, leading to its accumulation.
Intellectual Disability
A term used to describe a condition characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills.
- Recognize and elucidate prevalent genetic conditions, detailing how they are inherited and their effects on wellness.
Verified Answer
JJ
Jarrid JamesJul 24, 2024
Final Answer :
Phenylketonuria is a disorder that prevents the body from producing an enzyme that breaks down phenylalanine, an amino acid, from proteins. The phenylalanine builds up quickly to toxic levels that damage the central nervous system, contributing to mental retardation by 1 year of age. However, permanent damage is not inevitable. Infants who are placed on a strict diet low in phenylalanine (which must continue throughout the childhood into adolescence and adulthood) usually attain average or near-average levels of intelligence.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize and elucidate prevalent genetic conditions, detailing how they are inherited and their effects on wellness.
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