Albinism

toc =Albinism= By: Charlie Barrow and David Hincks

Pattern of Inheritance
Albinism is passed on by two recessive alleles passed on by two parents. It is a sex linked gene passed on by both the **x** and the **y** chromosme.(1)

More common in other groups?
Albinism is very rare in North America and Europe. It is only found in less than 5 out of 100000. But albinism has a much higher rate in other parts of the world. For example albinim is found in 20 people of 100000 in Nigeria.(2)

Symptoms
In most cases of albinism, the person might have abscence of coloring in the skin, hair, and iris of the eye. In some cases the person might have crossed eyes, light sensitivity, rapid eye movements, and in some cases blindness.(3)

(picture 1) This is an example of the symptoms in a lion.

Everyday Life
People with albinism are the same as everybody else. Although, the symptoms call for certain precautions to be taken. Including sunscreen and sunglasses because their pale skin and eyes are more prone to getting burnt and damaged.(4)

Prognosis
People with albinism have the same lifespan as people without the condition. They hold the same opportunities for life and getting jobs. Although they still have some restrictions, for example it would not be a good idea for them to have a job that is in heavy sunlight, like a lifeguard.(4)

Diagnosis
Albinism can only be diagnosed by inheriting two recessive traits at birth from your parents. It is not contagious so there is no reason to be afraid of getting it from another person with Albinism.(4) = =

What is Actually Wrong?
The person is misssing an important color pigment called, Melanin.(4)

Recent Studies
This book (Raising a Child with Albinism) was written by the National Organization For albinism and Hypopigmentation. It was written to help parents to deal with a child that has the condition. Although, albinism can not yet be cured, studies are making lives a lot easier for people with the condition.(5)

Advantages?
There are no real advantages when having albinism. Although if taken with precaution, life with albinism can normal.

Punnet Square
xA || xa  XA || (1) The offspring show two female carriers, and two males with albinism.(1)
 *  || xA 
 * xA  || xAxA  || xAxA  ||
 * ya  || xAya  || xAya <span style="font-size: 18pt; color: black; font-family: Calibri; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-color-index: 13; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> ||

NOAH. “Raising a Child with Albinism.” __NOAH__. 1995-2007. 11 Jan. 2009 <http://www.albinism.org/>. (5)

Digg Users. “A Beautiful (and rare) Albino Lion .” __Digg__. 2009. Digg. 12 Jan. 2009 <[|http://www.focusmag.gr]>. Path: http://www.focusmag.gr/‌id/‌files/‌248119/‌white%20lion.jpg. (picture 1)