Genetic disorders are diseases caused by certain DNA mutations. There are a wide range of genetic diseases, each caused by different genes and each presenting very different symptoms. There are three types of genetic disorders: single-gene disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and multifactorial disorders. In this document, we will discuss the three types of genetic disorders, examples of each type, and possible treatment for particular disorders such as Huntington's disease, Down syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease. Life on Earth relies on DNA mutation. Mutations allow organisms to evolve, making them healthier and more able to survive. Although many mutations help species survive, there are just as many mutations that do not help species survive. In some cases, organisms die because mutations in their DNA make it impossible for them to survive. Some species undergo mutations that don't help them survive, but they still survive. This could be the start of an inherited genetic disease. Genetic diseases are abnormalities in the human body caused by mutations in DNA. These mutations are random unless caused by the environment. There are three categories of genetic disorders: single-gene disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and multifactorial disorders. As Richard Twyman says, “Single-gene disorders are caused by defects in a particular gene and often have simple, predictable inheritance patterns (http://genome.wellcome.ac.uk/, 2003). Single-gene disorders usually cause symptoms by changing or altering the amount of a protein made by the mutated gene. The offspring of a parent carrying the mutated gene has a fifty percent chance of inheriting the mutated gene.Huntington...... middle of paper......milies. With the support of scientists, government, affected families, associations and communities, we can improve the quality of life of those affected. We can not only help our current population, but also our future populations. With science we can change our world. Works Cited “Research”. Alzheimer’s Association. www.alz.org. 2006.Reilly, Phillip R. The World's Strongest Boy: How Genetic Information is Reshaping Our Lives. Cold Spring Harbor: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. 2006. Shari Roan. Gene therapy can reverse Down syndrome. Los Angeles Times. 2004. “Single Gene Disorders.” The human genome. http://genome.wellcome.ac.uk/. 2003. Wellcome Trust. Tingey, Carol. Down syndrome. Boston: College Hill. 1988. “Understanding Genetic Disorders.” http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/. Center for Genetic Sciences Learning. University of Utah. 2006.6