What is the inheritance pattern of malignant hyperthermia?

Malignant hyperthermia is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that only one copy of the mutated gene, inherited from an affected parent, is sufficient to predispose an individual to the condition. This disorder is usually triggered by certain anesthetic agents during surgery, leading to a rapid increase in body temperature and severe muscle contractions.

The autosomal dominant nature of this condition explains why it can manifest in individuals with a family history of malignant hyperthermia, as affected individuals have a 50% chance of passing the trait to their offspring. This type of inheritance pattern contrasts with recessive conditions, which require two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) for the condition to present. X-linked inheritance would involve genes located on the X chromosome, typically affecting males more severely, and mitochondrial inheritance pertains to traits passed down through maternal lineage via mitochondria, which is not applicable in this case. Thus, the autosomal dominant inheritance accurately reflects the mode of transmission for malignant hyperthermia.