Acrodermatitis enteropathica is inherited as?
**Core Concept**
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare genetic disorder characterized by an inability to absorb sufficient zinc from the diet, leading to zinc deficiency. This disorder is caused by mutations in the SLC39A4 gene, which encodes a zinc transporter responsible for zinc uptake in the intestine.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the mode of inheritance of the SLC39A4 gene mutation. Acrodermatitis enteropathica is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that an individual must inherit two mutated copies of the gene (one from each parent) to express the disorder. This is because the SLC39A4 gene is essential for zinc absorption, and even a single mutated copy is insufficient to maintain proper zinc levels.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Autosomal Dominant - This mode of inheritance would require only one mutated copy of the SLC39A4 gene to express the disorder, which is not the case for acrodermatitis enteropathica.
**Option B:** X-linked Recessive - This mode of inheritance would imply that the SLC39A4 gene is located on the X chromosome, which is not the case.
**Option C:** X-linked Dominant - This mode of inheritance would also imply that the SLC39A4 gene is located on the X chromosome and would require only one mutated copy to express the disorder.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare but important condition to recognize, as it can be treated with zinc supplementation. This highlights the importance of considering genetic disorders in the differential diagnosis of patients with zinc deficiency.
**Correct Answer: C. X-linked Recessive.