What is an example of a multifactorial disorder?

What is an example of a multifactorial disorder?

• A. Skin color
• B. Heart disease
• C. Hemophilia
• D. Cystic fibrosis

Answer: (B)

A multifactorial disorder is influenced by multiple factors, including both genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Heart disease serves as a prime example of this concept. The development of heart disease can be attributed to a combination of genetic factors (such as family history of heart conditions) and lifestyle choices (such as diet, exercise, smoking, and stress levels). Skin color is determined primarily by genetic factors, while hemophilia and cystic fibrosis are examples of single-gene disorders caused by mutations in specific genes. Therefore, these conditions do not exemplify the multifactorial nature of disorders, as their causes can be attributed to a single genetic factor rather than a combination of genetics and environmental influences. Heart disease, on the other hand, clearly illustrates the complexity of multifactorial inheritance, making it the correct example.

A multifactorial disorder is influenced by multiple factors, including both genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Heart disease serves as a prime example of this concept. The development of heart disease can be attributed to a combination of genetic factors (such as family history of heart conditions) and lifestyle choices (such as diet, exercise, smoking, and stress levels).

Skin color is determined primarily by genetic factors, while hemophilia and cystic fibrosis are examples of single-gene disorders caused by mutations in specific genes. Therefore, these conditions do not exemplify the multifactorial nature of disorders, as their causes can be attributed to a single genetic factor rather than a combination of genetics and environmental influences. Heart disease, on the other hand, clearly illustrates the complexity of multifactorial inheritance, making it the correct example.