Genetic and Pediatric Diseases · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following genetic disorders often leads to progressive neurodegeneration in infancy or early childhood due to enzyme deficiency in the central nervous system?

  1. Phenylketonuria (PKU)
  2. Tay–Sachs disease
  3. Turner syndrome
  4. Marfan syndrome
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Correct answer: Tay–Sachs disease

Tay–Sachs disease is a fatal autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of hexosaminidase A; accumulation of GM2 ganglioside leads to progressive neuronal destruction and neurodegeneration early in life.

Difficulty: Medium Question 6 of 20

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