Effect of Genotype on Phenotype

     Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder, CMT, has considerable effects on someone with this genetic disorder caused by one small duplication on chromosome 17.
     CMT at it's very roots is a gene that calls to make to much of a protein that lines the cell axons.  These axons allow electric signals to be sent from the muscles to the brain.  The protein that lines them, myelin, protects these axons.  When there is to much, or a build up of myelin, as caused by CMT, signals cannot get through.
     Patients with CMT most commonly have muscle weakness in the lower half of their body.  Extremely high arches in the feet, a foot drop, and "inverted champagne bottle legs" are all symptoms cause by excessive muscle weakness, due to CMT.  CMT patients also report lots of tripping.  In more severe cases, atrophy in the hands occurs and in the most severe cases, a patient requires leg braces.