Editing Phocomelia (section)

===Genetic inheritance===
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), when phocomelia is transmitted (in its familial genetic form) it is seen as an autosomal recessive trait and the mutation is linked to chromosome 8.<ref name="nard">{{cite web|url=http://www.rarediseases.org/|title=Phocomelia Syndrome|date=11 October 2007|publisher = National Organization for Rare Disorders}}</ref>

A study of [[Roberts syndrome]], a genetic disorder showing similar symptoms to phocomelia, has shed light on the possible causes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2005/04_11_05.html|title=Fifteen-Year Hunt Uncovers Gene Behind 'Pseudothalidomide' Syndrome|last=Vega|first=Hugo|date=11 April 2005|publisher=Johns Hopkins Medicine|access-date = 10 December 2007|display-authors=etal}}</ref> An individual afflicted with Roberts Syndrome will have chromosome copies that do not connect at the centromeres, making them unable to line up accordingly.<ref>{{cite journal |last1= Horsburgh |first1= Sheri |last2= Kasai |first2= Yumi |last3= Kolomeitz |first3= Elena |last4= Morel |first4= Chantal France |last5= Li |first5= Chumei |last6= Suk-King Goh |first6= Elaine |date= 2009 |title= The Roberts Syndrome/SC Phocomelia Spectrum - A Case Report of an Adult With Review of the Literature |url= https://ern-ithaca.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Goh_Robertsadults_AJMG2010.pdf |journal= [[American Journal of Medical Genetics]] |volume= 152 |pages= 472=478 |accessdate= 2023-04-25}}</ref> As a result, the newly made cells contain an excess or reduced number of chromosomes. In both Roberts syndrome and phocomelia the cells cease to develop, or die, preventing proper development of the limbs, eyes, brain, palate, or other structures.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}