Genetics Guide: Understanding Inheritance

Interactive tool to understand how Thalassemia is inherited and what outcomes are possible for children

How Thalassemia is Inherited

Each person has 2 genes that control hemoglobin production:

Normal (NN)

Both genes normal

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Carrier/Minor (NT)

One normal, one affected

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Major (TT)

Both genes affected

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Each parent passes one gene to their child. Use the tool below to see possible outcomes.

Calculate Child Outcomes

Key Takeaways

1. If both parents are carriers: There's a 25% chance their child will have Thalassemia Major, which requires lifelong treatment.
2. Testing before marriage/pregnancy: Knowing your carrier status helps make informed decisions.
3. Carriers are healthy: Being a carrier doesn't mean you have the disease. You can live a completely normal life.