AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder that is passed from parents to their children. It occurs when a child inherits a flaw (mutation) in the HEXA gene from both parents.

Detailed explanation-2: -Tay-Sachs disease is caused by a problem in a child’s genes that means their nerves stop working properly. A child can only have it if both parents have this faulty gene. The parents themselves don’t usually have any symptoms – this is known as being a “carrier".

Detailed explanation-3: -Tay-Sachs disease is part of a group of genetic disorders called the GM2 gangliosidoses. Affected children appear to develop without a problem until about 6 months of age and then begin to show neurological symptoms, including: Slowing of development. Progressive loss of mental ability. Dementia.

Detailed explanation-4: -Anyone can be a carrier of Tay-Sachs. But, the disease is most common among people with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. One in every 27 members of the population carries the Tay-Sachs gene. Tay-Sachs is divided into infantile, juvenile, and adult forms, depending on the symptoms and when they first appear.

Detailed explanation-5: -Babies born with Tay-Sachs develop as expected in the first 3 to 6 months of life. Then, within months to a few years, they lose the ability to see, hear, and move. By age 2, most start having seizures. Unfortunately, children with the condition usually do not live past 5 years of age.