Incomplete penetrance

Incomplete penetrance is a genetic term that refers to the phenomenon where a person with a disease-causing genotype does not always express the associated phenotype. This means that even if a person inherits a disease-causing gene, they may not show any signs or symptoms of the disease. The reasons for incomplete penetrance are not fully understood, but it is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Causes of Incomplete Penetrance[edit | edit source]

Incomplete penetrance can be caused by a variety of factors. These can include other genetic factors, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors. For example, a person may inherit a disease-causing gene, but if they also inherit protective genes, or live in a healthy environment, or lead a healthy lifestyle, they may not develop the disease.

Examples of Diseases with Incomplete Penetrance[edit | edit source]

There are many diseases that show incomplete penetrance. These include Huntington's disease, breast cancer, and retinoblastoma. In these diseases, not everyone who inherits the disease-causing gene will develop the disease.

Implications of Incomplete Penetrance[edit | edit source]

Incomplete penetrance has important implications for genetic counseling. It means that even if a person tests positive for a disease-causing gene, they may not develop the disease. This can make it difficult to predict who will develop the disease and who will not.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Incomplete penetrance Resources
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