How does a person inherit Albinism?

In this particular blog, I will educate you on the genetic disorder called Albinism. What is Albinism? It is a defect of melanin production, which is a natural substance that gives color to your skin, hair and the iris of the eye. Albinism makes the body unable to produce or distribute melanin in the body. There are two main types of albinism:

1. Type 1 albinism is caused by a mutation in a gene on chromosome 11. Most people with this type have milky white skin, white hair and blue eyes.
2. Type 2 albinism is due to a defect in a gene on chromosome 15. most people have yellow, auburn, or red hair and blue-gray or tan eyes.

How does a person inherit Albinism?
Albinism is an autosomal recessive disorder. This means two copies of an abnormal gene must be present for the disease or trait to develop; therefore Albinism is a chromosomal abnormality. It takes place when there is a mutation on one of the first 22 chromosomes. Since genes come in pairs, recessive inheritance means both genes in a pair must be defective to cause a disease. People with only one defective gene in the pair are considered carriers. However; they can still pass the abnormal gene to their children.