Some diseases are inherited from our parents through our genes: they are called genetic disorders. They occur because of faulty alleles. Cystic fibrosis is an example of a genetic disorder.
People with cystic fibrosis have inherited two faulty alleles, one from their father and one from their mother. They produce unusually thick and sticky mucus in their lungs and airways. Their lungs become congested with mucus, and they are more likely to get respiratory infections.
It is hoped that it may one day be possible to repair the faulty alleles using gene therapy, perhaps by putting the normal allele into the cells of the lungs. This would greatly improve the lives of people with cystic fibrosis, who often need lung transplants as their illness progresses.
Members of some families are particularly at risk of developing certain types of breast cancer, because they carry faulty alleles. These alleles have been identified, and it is now possible to test people to see if they have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This allows them to make decisions, if they wish, about whether to have surgery to remove breast tissue before any cancer develops in their breasts.
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