Which chromosome carries the Marfan syndrome gene?

Which chromosome carries the Marfan syndrome gene?

• A. Chromosome 7
• B. Chromosome 4
• C. Chromosome X
• D. Chromosome 15

Answer: (D)

Marfan syndrome is caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene, which encodes fibrillin-1, a key component of elastic connective tissue fibers. The FBN1 gene is located on chromosome 15 (at 15q21.1). Because the disease stems from defects in this gene, the chromosome carrying the Marfan gene is chromosome 15. The other chromosomes do not harbor FBN1, so they do not carry the Marfan gene. Marfan is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, so one mutated copy is enough to produce the condition.

Marfan syndrome is caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene, which encodes fibrillin-1, a key component of elastic connective tissue fibers. The FBN1 gene is located on chromosome 15 (at 15q21.1). Because the disease stems from defects in this gene, the chromosome carrying the Marfan gene is chromosome 15. The other chromosomes do not harbor FBN1, so they do not carry the Marfan gene. Marfan is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, so one mutated copy is enough to produce the condition.