Problem: By now, you're probably aware that anything is essentially possible when it comes to genes. To that point, I'd like to use this week to discuss albinism. Albinism is the inability of organisms to produce melanin, which is a pigment that colors our skin, eyes, and hair. It is caused by a recessive pair of alleles (aa) that limits or stops the production of melanin and can be observed in a variety of organisms. Individuals that are heterozygous (Aa) for albinism are considered carriers.
1. What is the frequency of the albinism gene in the United States and worldwide?
2. How many new cases of Albinism are reported each year?
3. What health problems usually affect individuals with albinism?
4. Why do you think humans and other vertebrate animals share this gene?