Name: Gabreal
Status: other
Grade: 9-12
Location: Outside U.S.
Country: USA
Date: Spring 2012
Question:
What chromosome is albinism located on?
Replies:
There are actually many different kinds of albinism which occur due to mutations in different genes. In principle, all forms of albinism share a common trait, namely that affected individuals do not produce melanin, the major pigment protein in our skin. However, there are a wide variety of potential mutations that can lead to this result, and they are located on several different chromosomes. One notable case is of ocular albinisms, which only affect the eyes (and not the skin). These mutations have been shown to be present almost exclusively on the X chromosome. As a result, most individuals affected with X-linked ocular albinism will be male, similar to the genetics of X-linked color blindness.
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