Does Phenylketonuria (PKU) Have a Genetic Component?

Question

Does Phenylketonuria have a genetic component?

Answer

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, meaning that if both parents carry the recessive gene that causes PKU, there is a 25% chance that their child will inherit two recessive genes and develop PKU. Therefore, if the first child of a couple is diagnosed with PKU, there is also a 25% chance that their second child will have the disease.