What decision did folk singer Arlo…

Biology Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
Biology Questions

What decision did folk singer Arlo Guthrie make regarding genetic testing for Huntington’s disease, and what was the outcome? A. He had genetic testing and was found not to be genetically susceptible. B. He chose not to have genetic testing and did not develop the disease. C. Genetic testing found that he was a carrier and he was successfully treated. D. He chose not to have genetic testing but is now incapacitated by the disease.

Short Answer

Arlo Guthrie decided against genetic testing for Huntington’s disease, aware of the risks from his father’s history, leaving uncertain whether he inherited the mutated gene. Currently, there is no evidence that he has developed the disease, maintaining ambiguity about his genetic status.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is a severe genetic disorder that is inherited in a dominant manner. This means that an individual only needs one copy of the mutated gene to develop the disease. Symptoms typically appear during middle age, which can complicate family planning and understanding of risks.

Step 2: Arlo Guthrie’s Decision

Arlo Guthrie, aware of the risks associated with Huntington’s disease due to his father’s history, opted not to undergo genetic testing. This decision left open the possibility of having inherited the gene without the confirmation that testing would provide. He made this choice despite knowing the potential complications it could impose on his future.

Step 3: Current Status and Conclusion

As of now, there is no public evidence that Arlo Guthrie has developed Huntington’s disease. Consequently, it remains unclear whether he has the gene for the condition. Therefore, the conclusion can be drawn that he chose not to have genetic testing and did not develop the disease.

Related Concepts

Huntington’s disease

A severe genetic disorder that is inherited in a dominant manner, requiring only one copy of the mutated gene for an individual to develop the disease.

Genetic testing

A medical process that involves analyzing an individual’s dna to identify the presence of specific genetic mutations or conditions, including inherited diseases like huntington’s disease.

Dominant inheritance

A genetic inheritance pattern where only one copy of a mutated gene from one parent is sufficient to cause a particular trait or disorder in an individual, irrespective of the other allele’s status.

Table Of Contents
  1. What decision did folk singer Arlo Guthrie make regarding genetic testing for Huntington's disease, and what was the outcome? A. He had genetic testing and was found not to be genetically susceptible. B. He chose not to have genetic testing and did not develop the disease. C. Genetic testing found that he was a carrier and he was successfully treated. D. He chose not to have genetic testing but is now incapacitated by the disease.

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