home

toc =Genetic Diseases= //An INLS 530 Pathfinder by Casey Rawson//

Scope
This Pathfinder is intended to help 7th grade students find resources and information about the inheritance and characteristics of genetic disorders. The resources presented below support the **North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS) for Grade 7, Competency Goal 5** (//The learner will conduct investigations and utilize appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of heredity and genetics//), **Objective 5.05** (//Summarize the genetic transmittance of disease//). Students should use the resources and links below as a jumping-off point in their research on this topic. The lists below are not meant to be exhaustive, but rather represent a sample of available resources and materials.

Background Knowledge
//What You Need to Know to Understand the Resources// In the NCSCOS, the study of genetic disorders comes near the end of a nine-week study of genetics. Therefore, in order to get the most out of the resources presented here, you will need to have a basic background in genetics first. Before beginning your research into genetic disorders, make sure you are familiar with the following topics. Each one includes a list of //subject headings//, which are search terms you can enter into a library catalog to find resources on that topic if you need a refresher before moving onto the genetic disorders resources.

5.01 Explain the significance of genes to inherited characteristics.
 * Subject Headings Related to this Objective:
 * Genes
 * Genes--genetics
 * DNA
 * DNA--History

5.02 Explain the significance of reproduction.
 * Subject Headings Related to this Objective:
 * Human genetics--variation
 * Reproduction--Genetics
 * Reproduction--Molecular aspects

5.03 Identify examples and patterns of human genetic traits.
 * Subject Headings Related to this Objective:
 * Genetic code
 * Genes, cells, and organisms
 * Human genetics

5.04 Analyze the role of probability in the study of heredity.
 * Subject Headings Related to this Objective:
 * Genes--genetics
 * Human genetics
 * Reproduction--Genetics

media type="custom" key="4982569" align="center"

Genetic Disorders: What are they?
Genetic diseases are disorders that are inherited by a person from his or her parents or are related to some type of spontaneous genetic change. Genetic disorders can be inherited, in which case people are born with them, even if they are not noticeable at first. Some disorders, however, are not inherited but develop spontaneously when disease-causing mutations occur during cell division. These also are genetic disorders, because they involve changes in the genes. (From "Genetic Diseases." __Complete Human Diseases and Conditions__. Gale Group. 2008.)

Search Tips
To find library resources related to genetic disorders, try using the following //subject headings// in a library catalog search:
 * Genes and Disease
 * Genetic Disorders
 * Genetic Diseases
 * Hereditary Diseases

You can also search for information on a specific genetic disorder. Some of the most commonly-studied are:
 * Cystic Fibrosis
 * Down Syndrome
 * Hemophilia
 * Huntington's Disease
 * Muscular Dystrophy
 * Sickle Cell Anemia
 * Tay-Sachs Disease

For a //keyword// search, try using these search terms:
 * Genetic diseases
 * Genetic disorders
 * Inherited diseases
 * Congenital diseases
 * Genetics
 * Chromosomal disorders
 * Human genetics
 * DNA mutations
 * Birth defects

To browse other resources that might be related to genetic disorders, go to the section of your library that houses these Dewey Decimal //call numbers//:
 * 576.5 - Genetics
 * 599.935 - Human Genetics
 * 611.01806 - Human Physiological Genetics
 * 660.65 - Genetic Engineering

Selected Resources
The list below includes books, databases, organizations, video and audio resources, and web links that will give you a starting point for your research into genetic disorders. Many of these resources may be found at your local public or school library.

Reference Books

 * 1) **//The Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders//. Edited by Stacey L. Blachford. Gale Group, 2001.** This two-volume encyclopedia set has over 400 entries related to genetic disorders, including background information about DNA, genes, and inheritance.
 * 2) **//The Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders and Birth Defects//. Part of the Facts on File Library of Health and Living. By Mark Ludman and James Wynbrandt. Facts on File, 2008.** In addition to information about genetic disorders and their causes, this encyclopedia includes charts and graphs, as well as information on organizations that help serve those affected by genetic disorders.
 * 3) **//American Medical Association Family Medical Guide//. John Wiley & Sons, 2004.** This book was written as a basic medical reference text for families. Part 6, chapter 13 deals with genetic disorders.

Nonfiction Books

 * 1) **//Genetics: Science in Focus//. By Anna Claybourne.** Evans Brothers Ltd., 2006. This short (47-page) book gives an easy-to-read overview of important topics related to genetics. Genetic diseases are covered on pages 24-25.
 * 2) **//Genes and Disease// Series. Chelsea House Publishing, 2009.** This 10-book set written for young adults details the causes, symptoms, and treatments for a variety of genetic disorders. Books in this set include:
 * //Alzheimer's Disease// by Evelyn B. Kelly
 * //Asthma// by Terry L. Smith
 * //Cystic Fibrosis// by Sharon Giddings
 * //Diabetes// by Toney Allman
 * //Down Syndrome// by F. Fay Evans-Martin
 * //Hemophilia// by Michelle Raabe
 * //Huntington's Disease// by David M. Lawrence
 * //Parkinson's Disease// by Natalie Goldstein
 * //Sickle-Cell Disease// by Phill Jones
 * //Tay-Sach's Disease// by Jeri Freedman
 * 1) **//Genetic and Developmental Genes and Disorders// Series. Rosen Publishing, 2009.** This 4-book series for middle school students gives an overview of the history, causes, symptoms and treatments for four disorders linked to human genetics. Books in this set include:
 * //Autism// by Jeri Freedman
 * //Muscular Dystrophy// by Paula Johanson
 * //Sickle Cell Anemia// by Judy M. Peterson
 * //Spina Bifida// by Stephanie Watson
 * 1) **//Perspectives on Diseases and Disorders// Series. Gale / Greenhaven Press, 2008.** This 39-book set provides information for young adults about a wide variety of human conditions. Books in this set that are related to genetic disorders include:
 * //Cerebral Palsy// by Jacqueline Langwith
 * //Cystic Fibrosis// by Jacqueline Langwith
 * //Down Syndrome// by Dawn Laney
 * //Multiple Sclerosis// by Clayton Naff
 * //Parkinson's Disease// by Carrie Fredericks

Magazine and Newspaper Articles

 * 1) **"The Secrets in Lincoln's DNA" by Claudia Kalb. //Newsweek//, 2/23/2009. Volume 153, number 8, p. 17.** People have long suspected that Abraham Lincoln suffered from a genetic disorder. Now, scientists say that DNA samples may help us know for sure.
 * 2) **"Ray of Hope for Huntington's" by Rita Rubin. //USA Today//, 10/28/2008.** A new drug may offer hope for people suffering from Huntington's disease.
 * 3) **"Epic Genetics" by Tina Hesman Saey. //Science News//, 5/24/2008. Volume 173, number 17, p. 14-19.** This article explores the link between psychiatric disorders (mental illnesses) and genetics.
 * 4) **"A Changing Portrait of DNA" by Mary Carmichael. //Newsweek,// 12/20/2007. Volume 150, number 24, p. 63-67.** This article details how and why malfunctioning genes are behind the majority of noninfectious diseases.
 * 5) **"Inside Out: A DNA Diary" by Boonsri Dickinson. //Discover,// 9/2008. Volume 29, number 9, p. 34-39.** The author undergoes genetic testing to discover her risk for a range of genetic disorders.
 * 6) **"A Most Fragile Boy" by Susan Schindehette and Molly Lopez. //People//, 2/20/2006. Volume 65, number 7, p. 60-66.** The author reports on a young man with a rare genetic disorder that makes his skin so delicate that even a light touch can rip it.
 * 7) **"Joint Venture to Seek Genetic Roots of Disease" by Steve Sternberg. //USA Today//, 2/29/2006, p. 8D.** The federal government and private pharmaceutical companies join forces to seek cures for genetic diseases.

Organizations

 * 1) American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG): The ACMG provides education and resources about medical genetics topics (including genetic disorders). They also provide information about careers in the medical genetics field.
 * 2) American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG): The ASHG is the main professional organization for people in careers related to human genetics.
 * 3) National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI): Part of the National Institutes of Health, the NHGRI works to provide money and support for genetics research in the United States and to educate people about human genetics.
 * 4) The World Health Organization's Genomic Resource Centre (GRC): The GRC's goals are "to provide information and to raise awareness" about human genetics. Their homepage includes a link to information about genetics and common diseases.

Multimedia: Video and Audio Resources

 * 1) How Stuff Works - Genetic Disorders: This 1-minute video clip briefly explains the causes of genetic disorders.
 * 2) Personal Experience of Genetic Disorders: These video clips feature real people living with genetic disorders, as they explain how their symptoms affect their everyday lives.
 * 3) [|The Talking Glossary of Genetics Terms]: This online glossary from the National Human Genome Research Institute not only gives you definitions of genetics terms, it also pronounces them for you!
 * 4) **//Confronting the Killer Gene//. Video from the PBS Nova Series, Coronet Film and Video, 1989**. This video focuses on issues surrounding testing for genetic disorders, especially Huntington Disease.
 * 5) **//Cracking the Code Of Life//. Video from the PBS Nova Series, 2001.** This video introduces some of the major scientists studying human genetics and shows how almost every human disease can be traced back to genetics. The entire film is also available online here.
 * 6) **//Personal DNA Testing//. Video clip from the PBS Nova "scienceNOW" series, 2008.** This 12-minute video explains testing for genetic disorders and asks the question, "how much would you want to know about what is written in your DNA?" The video is available online here.

Web Links

 * 1) Genes and Disease Virtual Bookshelf: This collection of articles from the National Institutes of Health includes information on genetic disorders classified by which part of the body they affect.
 * 2) Genetic Disorders Library from Learn.Genetics: This site from the University of Utah sorts genetic disorders by their causes and includes information about each one. The site also includes profiles of scientists, career information, and descriptions of genetic disorder tests.
 * 3) Genetics Home Reference: This website from the National Institutes of Health provides information on genes, chromosomes, and genetic conditions. It also has a glossary.
 * 4) Genetics and Rare Conditions Support Page: This site, from the University of Kansas Medical Center, offers a long list of genetic disorders. Each disorder has its own site, where users can find out information about resources, organizations, and support groups focused on that condition.
 * 5) Nemours TeensHealth - Diseases & Conditions: Click on "Genetic, Chromosomal, & Metabolic Conditions" for teen-friendly information about a variety of genetic disorders.
 * 6) [|Your Genes, Your Health]: This website is maintained by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (one of the world's best genetics research centers) and has easy-to-read information about 15 genetic disorders.

Databases
The database resources listed below will help you find MANY more resources, articles, and websites about genetic disorders. All of these databases include a search box on the main page. Use the search terms and subject headings listed above as a starting point. The databases with a "*" below are part of the NC LIVE collection, which gives North Carolina library users access to hundreds of resources from their home computers. To access these databases, ask your local librarian for a password, then click here to go to the NC LIVE homepage.
 * 1) The National Science Digital Library: This free, open-access database provides links to thousands of science resources on the web. To use it, simply type in your search term in the box at the top of the page. You can limit your results by grade level or format.
 * 2) Go Ask Alice! Health Q&A Service: This searchable database provides questions and answers related to medicine and health.
 * 3) NC Health Info: A database of health-related information specifically for citizens of North Carolina. Local resources and organizations are included.
 * 4) Science Reference Center*: Part of the Medical and Health resources offered through NC LIVE. The Science Reference Center database searches science encyclopedias, reference books, and periodicals.
 * 5) Kids Search by EBSCOhost*: Search newspapers and magazines. Results can be displayed in list format or sorted into groups by topic.

*Resource Selection
//Resources in this pathfinder were chosen with the help of the following selection tools and databases://
 * VOYA
 * School Library Journal
 * Publisher Websites
 * NC LIVE