It is known that in humans there are 23 pairs of chromosomes that determine the physical and metabolic properties of various metabolites. One of these 23 pairs of chromosomes is the pair of X and Y chromosomes (known as sex chromosomes) that determine the sex of the individual as well as other things. The X chromosome is particularly important because it holds the basic genes for human survival. There is an important gene in the X chromosome, the G6PD gene.
All genetic diseases related to the X chromosome such as G6PD deficiency affect males more than females. G6PD deficiency will appear in females only when there are two defective copies of the gene in the female. As long as one copy of G6PD is found in a female, it will produce a normal enzyme and this natural enzyme can perform the function of the defective enzyme. When a particular inherited feature emerges in such a way, it is termed a recessive genetic trait. In males, because of only one X chromosome, the appearance of one defective G6PD gene is sufficient to cause G6PD deficiency.
It is known that there are more than 400 strains or different forms of the same gene that causes the deficiency of the enzyme G6PD. The defective G6PD enzyme may be different from person to person. Gene mutations vary from region to region, but the population of a given region usually shares that mutation. For example, in Egypt there is only one type of breeds called the Mediterranean variant, while in Japan there is a different type called Japan variant.
All genetic diseases related to the X chromosome such as G6PD deficiency affect males more than females. G6PD deficiency will appear in females only when there are two defective copies of the gene in the female. As long as one copy of G6PD is found in a female, it will produce a normal enzyme and this natural enzyme can perform the function of the defective enzyme. When a particular inherited feature emerges in such a way, it is termed a recessive genetic trait. In males, because of only one X chromosome, the appearance of one defective G6PD gene is sufficient to cause G6PD deficiency.
It is known that there are more than 400 strains or different forms of the same gene that causes the deficiency of the enzyme G6PD. The defective G6PD enzyme may be different from person to person. Gene mutations vary from region to region, but the population of a given region usually shares that mutation. For example, in Egypt there is only one type of breeds called the Mediterranean variant, while in Japan there is a different type called Japan variant.