**Core Concept**
Von Willebrand's disease (VWD) is a genetic disorder caused by deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (VWF), a protein essential for blood clotting. The mode of inheritance of VWD is influenced by the type of mutation and the gene involved.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Von Willebrand's disease is an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning a single copy of the mutated gene is enough to cause the condition. This is because VWF is encoded by a gene located on chromosome 12, and mutations in this gene can lead to reduced or dysfunctional VWF protein. The autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance means that each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because autosomal recessive inheritance requires two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to express the condition.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because X-linked inheritance is not associated with VWD, as the VWF gene is located on an autosome (chromosome 12).
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because mitochondrial inheritance is not relevant to VWD, as the VWF gene is located on a nuclear chromosome.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Von Willebrand's disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, with a prevalence of approximately 1% in the general population. It is essential to consider VWD in patients with a history of easy bruising, bleeding gums, or prolonged bleeding after surgery or injury.
**Correct Answer: A. Autosomal dominant inheritance.**
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