Albinism
By: Natalie Hatchett
Albinism is also called achromasia, but is most commonly known as just albinism.
Albinism is caused by a defect with the gene that controls melanin production. The defect causes it to produce little or no melanin causing the eyes, hair, and skin to have little to no color. The defective gene must be passed down to the offspring by both parents.
The X chromosome is effected by the defect.
There is no way to tell if your child will have albinism before it is born.
The symptoms of albinism are pinkish skin, that may eventually develop freckles, moles and possibly even the ability to tan. The hair color is most commonly white, but can be brown. It may darken during early childhood. The eye color can be extremely light, almost transparent, to brown. All albino people suffer from vision problems.
Albinism is very rare, and only effects less than 20,000 people in the U.S. per year.
Albinism is recessive and can only be inherited from both parents.
Albinism cannot be prevented, and there is no known cure to it, but usually starting at age 6 months, the doctors start to put eye patches on the babies to protect their sensitive eyes. Older children may just need glasses.
Albinos can reproduce normally, and their children will not be affected as long as their partner doesn't carry the gene for albinism or have it also.
Works Cited
"Albinism." Healthline. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2015.
"Albinism Treatment & Management." Albinism Treatment & Management. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2015.