Hutchinson-Gilford progeria is an exceedingly rare human genetic disorder in which there is very early senility and death, usually from coronary artery disease, at an average age of 13 years. Patients, who look very old even as children, do not live to reproduce. Which of the following represents the most likely assumption?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the disorder is very rare and patients do not live to reproduce, it is unlikely that the disorder will increase in frequency in successive generations within a family. Additionally, it is unlikely that the disease is autosomal dominant as patients do not live to reproduce and therefore cannot pass it on to their offspring. It is possible that the disorder is due to a mutation in a single protein-coding gene, as this could explain the rare occurrence of the disorder. It is not necessary for each patient to have had an affected grandparent or parent, as the disorder could occur due to a de novo mutation.

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Is an Exceedingly Rare Human Genetic Disorder in Which