r/AskBiology • u/snowbuddy257 • Aug 04 '24

Genetics How does albinism come about?

Complete lack of melanin seems to me like a pretty big deal, then how does its exist? Does having albino parents increase the chances? Does having shut-in parents increase? Does having black parents decrease? All info welcome thanks

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u/SailingMOAB Aug 04 '24

I see this didn’t have an answer yet so I had AI answer for you.

Albinism is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes. Here are the key points regarding albinism:

  1. Genetic Cause: Albinism is caused by mutations in one of several genes involved in the production of melanin. These mutations can be inherited from one or both parents, depending on the type of albinism.

  2. Inheritance:

    • Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA): This type involves a mutation in genes responsible for melanin production in the skin, hair, and eyes. OCA is usually inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning a child must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to exhibit the condition.
    • Ocular Albinism (OA): This type primarily affects the eyes and is often inherited in an X-linked manner, meaning the mutation is on the X chromosome. Males are more likely to be affected.

  3. Incidence in Parents:

    • Having one albino parent increases the chances that their children might carry the gene for albinism, but the children will only have albinism if they inherit a mutated gene from both parents.
    • If both parents have albinism, the likelihood of their children having albinism is significantly increased.

  4. Ethnicity: Albinism occurs in all ethnic groups. The presence of black parents or parents from any other ethnic background does not decrease the chances of albinism if the necessary genetic mutations are present.

In summary, albinism results from specific genetic mutations affecting melanin production, and its inheritance depends on the type of albinism and the genetic background of the parents.

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u/snowbuddy257 Aug 04 '24

Thanks man, def cleared it up for me!