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Two Inherited Disorders for AQA

Part of Inherited Disorders — GCSE Biology

This deep dive covers Two Inherited Disorders for AQA within Inherited Disorders for GCSE Biology. Genetic disorders, family pedigrees, and probability calculations It is section 1 of 11 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 1 of 11

Practice

25 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

Two Inherited Disorders for AQA

CYSTIC FIBROSIS (Recessive)

Caused by: Recessive allele (ff) — both parents must be carriers

Effects:

  • Thick, sticky mucus in lungs and digestive system
  • Difficulty breathing, frequent infections
  • Digestive problems (enzymes can't reach food)

Inheritance: If both parents are carriers (Ff), 25% chance of affected child

POLYDACTYLY (Dominant)

Caused by: Dominant allele (P) — only one copy needed

Effects:

  • Extra fingers or toes
  • Can be surgically corrected
  • Not usually harmful

Inheritance: If one parent has Pp, 50% chance of affected child

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Inherited Disorders. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Genetic Testing and Ethical IssuesVisual: Inherited DisordersHow It Works: Inheriting CF and Polydactyly

Practice Questions for Inherited Disorders

What is an inherited disorder?

  • A. A disease caused by faulty genes passed from parents to offspring
  • B. A disease caught from other people
  • C. A disease caused by poor diet
  • D. A disease caused by aging
1 markfoundation

Describe how genetic screening can be used to detect inherited disorders.

4 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is polydactyly and how is it inherited?
Polydactyly is a dominant disorder — having just ONE copy of the dominant allele (Pp or PP) causes extra fingers or toes. Only one affected parent is needed to pass it on. It is usually not harmful and can be corrected surgically.
What is cystic fibrosis and how is it inherited?
Cystic fibrosis is a recessive disorder caused by having two copies of the faulty allele (ff). It causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to breathing difficulties and frequent infections.

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