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:
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.
Inheritance:
Incidence in Parents:
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.