Genetics of Albinism
The genes for albinism is located on autosomal chromosomes. Autosomes are the chromosomes that contain genes for our general body characteristics, contrasted to the sex chromosomes. However, albinism is a "recessive trait", so a person may produce pigment and still carry the albinism trait. Both parents must carry the albinism trait to produce a child with albinism.
Ocular albinism (OA1) plays a significant role in the pigmentation in the eye. The OA1 gene is inherited on the X chromosome. For a male to inherit ocular albinism, he would only need one defective copy of the gene from his mother. Because of this, most people with OA1 are males. It is rare for a female to inherit ocular albinism.
The genes for albinism is located on autosomal chromosomes. Autosomes are the chromosomes that contain genes for our general body characteristics, contrasted to the sex chromosomes. However, albinism is a "recessive trait", so a person may produce pigment and still carry the albinism trait. Both parents must carry the albinism trait to produce a child with albinism.
Ocular albinism (OA1) plays a significant role in the pigmentation in the eye. The OA1 gene is inherited on the X chromosome. For a male to inherit ocular albinism, he would only need one defective copy of the gene from his mother. Because of this, most people with OA1 are males. It is rare for a female to inherit ocular albinism.
About Albinism
Will your child have albinism?
There are no simple tests to determine whether someone carries an albinism gene or not. Researchers have found the changes in DNA that cause albinism, but changes are not always in the same place. Many of the tests do not find all possible changes, so the tests may be inconclusive.
There are ways to test albinism for subsequent pregnancies if parents have had a child with albinism that was confirmed by DNA analysis. This test uses amniocentesis. This procedure places a needle into the uterus to draw off fluid. The fluid is then examined to see if there are any albinism gene from each parent.
For more specific information on genetic testing on albinism, contact a qualified geneticist or genetic counselor. The National Society of Genetic Counselors maintains a referral list. The website can be found on the bottom of the services page on this website. If you or someone you know is considering genetics testing, they should be aware that people with albinism adapt well in the environment they live in with their disabilities and often live happy lives.
Click on the picture above to view "Albinism: Caught between Dark and Light"
Shirley Ngai
Psychology 3190G
Dr. Timney
Psychology 3190G
Dr. Timney
