Complex Disease Mechanisms Flashcards
(8 cards)
What are complex (multifactorial) diseases?
Diseases caused by a combination of genetic, epigenetic, environmental, host, lifestyle, and social factors.
Do complex diseases follow Mendelian inheritance patterns?
No, they do not obey standard Mendelian inheritance.
What contributes to the development of complex disease phenotypes?
A combination of genetic predispositions and environmental/lifestyle factors.
Why is lifestyle important in complex diseases?
Because changing environmental or lifestyle factors can delay or prevent disease onset.
Define gene-environment interaction.
It refers to how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to environmental exposures, and vice versa.
Example of a gene-environment interaction?
People with MC1R gene variants (light skin) have higher melanoma risk when exposed to UV light due to less melanin protection.
What is the role of the environment in gene expression?
Environmental factors can alter gene expression (epigenetics), influencing disease risk and progression.
Are genetic factors alone sufficient to cause complex diseases?
No, they contribute only part of the risk—environmental and behavioral factors are also essential.
