A 31-Year-Old Man Has Been Diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary

A 31-year-old man has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a result of being homozygous for the ZZ mutation of the -1 antitrypsin (AAT) gene alleles. His wife has been tested and has the MM genotype on her AAT gene alleles. The man is worried that his three children may eventually develop COPD. What is your best response?

A) "Because your wife does not have the mutation, and neither of your parents has the disease, your children will not be affected."
B) "Because your wife is not affected and is not a carrier, your children will have normal levels of AAT, and their risk is the same as for the general population."
C) "Because you have the mutations, and your wife does not, your son will be at an increased risk for developing COPD, but your daughter will only be a carrier."
D) "Because your children will each have only one mutated gene allele, their risk for COPD is primarily dependent on chronic environmental exposure to inhalation irritants."

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free