Which type of genetic predisposition is associated with age-related drusen formation?

The correct choice is complex inheritance, as age-related drusen formation is influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors that interact in complicated ways. This means no single gene is responsible for the condition; instead, variations in several genes contribute to the risk of developing drusen, often along with age and other non-genetic factors such as lifestyle and environmental influences.

Complex inheritance encompasses traits that are polygenic, meaning many genes across the genome play a role alongside environmental aspects. In the context of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and drusen, studies have shown associations with multiple loci, highlighting the multifactorial nature of the disease.

On the other hand, autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant patterns suggest a more straightforward inheritance pattern, where a specific gene mutation sourced either from both parents or one parent, respectively, leads to the expression of a trait. Environmental factors, while influential, are considered separate aspects that might exacerbate or mitigate the genetic predisposition related to drusen formation but do not define the genetic basis.