What is a characteristic of Tay-Sachs disease?

What is a characteristic of Tay-Sachs disease?

• A. It is a dominant genetic disorder
• B. It primarily affects males
• C. It leads to death by age 4 or 5
• D. It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality

Answer: (C)

Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system, and one of its most significant characteristics is that it typically leads to severe neurological deterioration and, unfortunately, results in death by the age of 4 or 5. This outcome is due to the accumulation of harmful substances in nerve cells because of a deficiency in the enzyme hexosaminidase A. The symptoms of the disease manifest in infancy, often beginning with loss of motor skills, seizures, and cognitive impairments, culminating in significant health decline. The nature of Tay-Sachs as a genetic disorder and its particularly devastating prognosis for affected children underscores the importance of awareness and genetic counseling for at-risk families, particularly among populations with higher carrier rates.

Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system, and one of its most significant characteristics is that it typically leads to severe neurological deterioration and, unfortunately, results in death by the age of 4 or 5. This outcome is due to the accumulation of harmful substances in nerve cells because of a deficiency in the enzyme hexosaminidase A. The symptoms of the disease manifest in infancy, often beginning with loss of motor skills, seizures, and cognitive impairments, culminating in significant health decline.

The nature of Tay-Sachs as a genetic disorder and its particularly devastating prognosis for affected children underscores the importance of awareness and genetic counseling for at-risk families, particularly among populations with higher carrier rates.