Causes of albinism
A person inherits one or more defective genes that cause them to be unable to produce the normal amounts of a pigment called melanin. Several different genes are involved in albinism, depending on the specific type.
Researchers have identified several genes that result in albinism. The genes are located on "autosomal" chromosomes. Autosomes are the chromosomes that contain genes for general body characteristics.
Genes carry the information that makes you an individual. We normally have two copies of these chromosomes and genes: one inherited from our father, the other inherited from our mother. Albinism is a "recessive trait" - a person without albinism can carry the albinism trait.
Both parents must carry a defective gene to have a child with albinism. When neither parent has albinism but both carry the defective gene, there is a one in four chance that the baby will be born with albinism.
Researchers have identified several genes that result in albinism. The genes are located on "autosomal" chromosomes. Autosomes are the chromosomes that contain genes for general body characteristics.
Genes carry the information that makes you an individual. We normally have two copies of these chromosomes and genes: one inherited from our father, the other inherited from our mother. Albinism is a "recessive trait" - a person without albinism can carry the albinism trait.
Both parents must carry a defective gene to have a child with albinism. When neither parent has albinism but both carry the defective gene, there is a one in four chance that the baby will be born with albinism.