What is the Difference Between Monogenic Disorders and Chromosomal Disorders?

The main difference between monogenic disorders and chromosomal disorders lies in the origin of the genetic mutation causing the disorder. Here are the key differences:

1. Origin of mutation: Monogenic disorders are caused by mutations in a single gene, while chromosomal disorders are caused by abnormalities in chromosome structure or number.
2. Number of genes involved: Monogenic disorders involve a single mutated gene, whereas chromosomal disorders involve multiple genes due to changes in the structure or number of chromosomes.
3. Inheritance: Monogenic disorders can be inherited in various patterns, such as dominant or recessive, and autosomal or sex-linked, depending on the specific gene involved. Chromosomal disorders, on the other hand, are typically not inherited in the same way, as they involve changes to the structure or number of chromosomes rather than a single gene.
4. Prevalence: Monogenic disorders are less common than chromosomal disorders, with research focusing on both categories of genetic diseases shifting towards polygenic diseases, which involve multiple genes.

In summary, monogenic disorders are genetic diseases caused by single mutated genes, while chromosomal disorders are genetic diseases caused by abnormalities in chromosome structure or number. The key difference lies in the origin of the genetic mutation and the number of genes involved in the disorder.

Comparative Table: Monogenic Disorders vs Chromosomal Disorders

The main difference between monogenic disorders and chromosomal disorders lies in the nature of the genetic alterations causing them. Here is a comparison of the two types of disorders:

Monogenic disorders are caused by a single gene mutation, and they can follow various inheritance patterns, including classic Mendelian inheritance patterns and non-Mendelian patterns. In contrast, chromosomal disorders are associated with abnormalities in chromosome structure or number, and they may involve multiple gene mutations. Examples of monogenic disorders include Huntington disease, which is caused by mutations in the same gene on chromosomal region 4p.10, while examples of chromosomal disorders include Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.