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[SCRepublic]

A genetic disorder is an illness caused by abnormalities in genes or chromosomes. While some diseases, such as cancer, are due in part to a genetic disorders, they can also be caused by environmental factors. Currently about 4,000 genetic disorders are known, with more being discovered.[citation needed] Most disorders are quite rare and affect one person in every several thousands or millions. Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common genetic disorders; around 5% of the population of the United States carry at least one copy of the defective gene.[citation needed] Some types of recessive gene disorder confer an advantage in the heterozygous state in certain environments.[1]

Genetic diseases are typically diagnosed and treated by geneticists. Genetic counselors assist the physicians and directly counsel patients. The study of genetic diseases is a scientific discipline whose theoretical underpinning is based on population genetics and molecular genetics.

source: wikipedia.com