| Bloom syndrome is a rare inherited illness | | | | constantly in higher organisms because DNA is |
| characterized by a high frequency of breaks and | | | | continually damaged by radiation (such as from |
| rearrangements in an affected person's | | | | sunlight) and chemicals in the environment. Men |
| chromosomes. Bloom syndrome is a very rare | | | | with Bloom syndrome are infertile and women |
| disorder in most populations. It is more common in | | | | have reduced fertility and experience menopause |
| people of Central and Eastern European | | | | at an earlier age. Overall, Bloom syndrome |
| (Ashkenazi) Jewish background, among whom 1 in | | | | confers a 150-300 times increased risk of cancer. |
| 48,000 are affected. Approximately one third of | | | | As compared to the general population, causing |
| people with Bloom syndrome are of Ashkenazi | | | | life expectancy to be shortened. Affected |
| Jewish descent. Bloom's Syndrome carried by 1 in | | | | individuals develop the full range of cancers found |
| 100 Ashkenazi Jews. Bloom's Syndrome is caused | | | | in the general population, but the cancers arise |
| by a genetic mutation on chromosome 15. This | | | | unusually early in life. Bloom syndrome has no |
| causes a change in the enzyme known as DNA | | | | specific treatment; however, avoiding sun |
| ligase. | | | | exposure and using sunscreens can help prevent |
| The vital function of which is to link the | | | | some of the cutaneous changes associated with |
| components that make the DNA strand - without | | | | photosensitivity. Respiratory infections require |
| it, nothing could live. In sufferers, the gene | | | | prompt antibiotic treatment. Although growth |
| mutations cause the enzyme to be defective, but | | | | hormone therapy has been attempted to increase |
| not completely ineffective (or else the person | | | | height in children with Bloom’s syndrome, it |
| would never have developed from zygote | | | | does not appear to be effective. |
| status!). DNA repair mechanisms operate | | | | |