Albinism in humans: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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Albinism used to be categorized as [[tyrosinase]]-positive or -negative. In cases of tyrosinase-positive albinism, the [[enzyme]] tyrosinase is present. The [[melanocyte]]s (pigment cells) are unable to produce melanin for any one of a variety of reasons that do not directly involve the tyrosinase enzyme. In tyrosinase negative cases, either the tyrosinase enzyme is not produced or a nonfunctional version is produced. This classification has been rendered obsolete by recent research.<ref name="Facts_Albinism"> [http://albinism.med.umn.edu/facts.htm "Facts about Albinism"], by Richard King ''et al''. </ref>

The chance of offspring with albinism resulting from the pairing of an organism with albinism and one without albinism is low, as discussed in more detail below. However, because organisms can be carriers of genes for albinism without exhibiting any traits, albinistic offspring can be produced by two non-albinistic parents. Albinism usually occurs with equal frequency in both genders.<ref name="eMedicine1" /> An exception to this is ocular albinism, because it is passed on to offspring through X-linked inheritance. Thus, males more frequently have ocular albinism.<ref name="Facts_Albinism"> [http://albinism.med.umn.edu/facts.htm "Facts about Albinism"], by Richard King ''et al''. </ref>

i kno someone whos albino and shes sitting right next to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by two non-albinistic parents. Albinism usually occurs with equal frequency in both genders.<ref name="eMedicine1" /> An exception to this is ocular albinism, because it is passed on to offspring through X-linked inheritance. Thus, males more frequently have ocular albinism.<ref name="Facts_Albinism"> [http://albinism.med.umn.edu/facts.htm "Facts about Albinism"], by Richard King ''et al''. </ref>

Because organisms with albinism have skin that lacks (sufficiently or entirely) the dark pigment melanin, which helps protect the skin from [[ultraviolet]] [[radiation]] coming from the sun, they can [[sunburn]] easily from overexposure. (See [[human skin color]] for more information). Lack of melanin in the eye also results in problems with vision, related and unrelated to [[photosensitivity]], which are discussed further below.