Which statement best defines a hereditary disease?

Which statement best defines a hereditary disease?

• A. A disease caused by defective genes inherited by child from one or both parents
• B. A disease caused by a virus that spreads through the population
• C. A disease caused by poor diet leading to obesity
• D. A disease caused by exposure to environmental toxins

Answer: (A)

Hereditary diseases come from genetic mutations that can be passed from parents to their children. The statement describing a disease caused by defective genes that are inherited by a child from one or both parents captures this idea directly: the problem lies in the genes, and it can be transmitted through families, which is why such conditions can run in families. In contrast, a disease caused by a virus is an infection that spreads between people and isn’t determined by inherited genes. A disease linked to poor diet and obesity is influenced by lifestyle and environment rather than being caused by inherited genetic defects. A disease caused by exposure to environmental toxins results from external factors affecting the body, not from inherited genetic material.

Hereditary diseases come from genetic mutations that can be passed from parents to their children. The statement describing a disease caused by defective genes that are inherited by a child from one or both parents captures this idea directly: the problem lies in the genes, and it can be transmitted through families, which is why such conditions can run in families.

In contrast, a disease caused by a virus is an infection that spreads between people and isn’t determined by inherited genes. A disease linked to poor diet and obesity is influenced by lifestyle and environment rather than being caused by inherited genetic defects. A disease caused by exposure to environmental toxins results from external factors affecting the body, not from inherited genetic material.