Question

Which one is a hereditary disease?

• A. cataract
• B. leprosy
• C. blindness
• D. phenylketonuria.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine which disease among the given options is hereditary, we need to understand the nature of hereditary diseases. A hereditary disease is one that is passed from parents to their offspring through genes. Let's analyze each option:

• Cataract: Cataracts are mostly related to aging, but they can sometimes be congenital (present at birth due to genetic factors) or caused by other factors like diabetes or trauma. However, they are not primarily classified as hereditary diseases.
• Leprosy: Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. It is not a hereditary disease as it is not passed through genes but through prolonged contact with an infected person.
• Blindness: Blindness is a condition that can have various causes, including injuries, infections, or genetic disorders. While some forms of blindness can be hereditary, blindness as a general condition is not specifically a hereditary disease.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU): Phenylketonuria is a hereditary metabolic disorder caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for processing the amino acid phenylalanine. Individuals with PKU lack an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase, leading to a buildup of phenylalanine, which can cause intellectual disabilities and other issues.

The correct answer is phenylketonuria as it is clearly a hereditary condition caused by a genetic mutation.

Conclusion: Phenylketonuria is a hereditary disease, as it is directly passed from parents to children through their genes, whereas the other conditions listed are not mainly hereditary in nature.