Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is the heredity pattern of Amelogenesis Imperfecta?

1. Autosomal dominant

2. Autosomal recessive

3. X-linked

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) is characterized by developmental defects in enamel, leading to variations in the appearance and thickness of dental enamel. This condition has a complex genetic background, demonstrating that it can follow multiple inheritance patterns. Autosomal dominant inheritance means that a single copy of the mutant gene can cause the condition, which is seen in certain types of amelogenesis imperfecta. Autosomal recessive inheritance, where two copies of the mutant gene are required for the disorder to manifest, is also observed in some cases. X-linked inheritance could involve genes located on the X chromosome, which has been implicated in some rare instances of amelogenesis imperfecta as well. Since AI can present through these various modes of inheritance—due to the involvement of several genes—it can indeed be described as having a heredity pattern that encompasses all these possibilities. Therefore, it is accurate to state that all of these inheritance patterns can be relevant in the context of amelogenesis imperfecta.