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A member asked:

Two prospective parents learn that they each carry on allele for tay-sachs disease, do they also suffer from the disease?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Protective gene: The carrier state exists & thrives because the unaffected allele is able to provide a protective level of the enzyme needed to avoid symptoms.By providing a basic level of enzyme production, the body can go about its normal metabolic activities without the buildup of toxic materials that cause the disease state.

Answered 9/29/2016

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