Question

Discuss why a genetic disease might have a particular age of onset. Would an infectious disease have an age of onset? Explain why or why not.

Short answer

Genetic diseases might have a particular age of onset because the manifestation of symptoms depends on when the abnormalities in the genes start affecting the body, which can be right from birth or may not be until much later in life. On the other hand, infectious diseases do not usually have a set age of onset as they occur whenever an individual is exposed to the pathogen. However, certain age groups may be more susceptible to some infectious diseases due to their immunity status.

Step-by-step solution

Define Genetic and Infectious Diseases

A genetic disease is a disease caused by abnormalities in an individual's genome. They can be inherited or caused by mutations. On the other hand, infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Unlike genetic diseases, infectious diseases can be caught from another individual, from the environment or other sources.

Explain Age of Onset in Genetic Diseases

In the case of genetic diseases, the age of onset is usually specific to the disease. It generally depends on when the abnormal gene or set of genes begins to have a noticeable effect on the body. Some genetic diseases may present symptoms at birth while others may not become apparent until adulthood. This is often because the disease results from a slow accumulation of damage or the slow failure of a tissue or organ in the body due to the genetic abnormality.

Discuss Age of Onset in Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases do not typically have a specific age of onset like genetic diseases. They can occur at any age, depending on when the individual is exposed to the pathogen. However, certain infectious diseases may be more common in certain age groups due to factors such as a weakened immune system in the elderly or the yet undeveloped immune system in children.