Question

State the cause of adenosine deaminase enzyme deficiency.

Answer 1

The disease adenosine deaminase enzyme deficiency is caused by a mutation in a gene on chromosome 20. The gene codes for the enzyme ADA, adenosine deaminase. Without this enzyme, the body is unable to break down a toxic substance called deoxyadenosine. The toxin builds up and destroys infection-fighting immune cells called T and B lymphocytes.