Why do some people have 6 toes?

Polydactyly is a congenital condition where a person is born with an extra digit on their hands or feet. Although it is relatively rare, it is a condition that has fascinated scientists and the public alike for centuries. Polydactyly can occur on one or both feet and can range from a small, non-functioning digit to a fully formed toe or finger with bone, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The condition can either be inherited from parents or develop spontaneously due to genetic mutations.

Understanding the genetic basis of polydactyly

Polydactyly is a genetic condition that can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that only one parent needs to have the gene mutation to pass it on to their offspring. The mutation affects the development of the limb during embryonic development, causing an extra digit to form. The specific genes involved in polydactyly are still being studied, but researchers have identified several genes that are associated with the condition. The most well-known of these genes is the Sonic Hedgehog gene, which plays a crucial role in limb development. Mutations in this gene can cause a range of limb abnormalities, including polydactyly.