Medical genetics mnemonic

Trinucleotide repeat disorders and their repeats

The mnemonic

Hunting My Fragile Friend

What each word stands for

  • HuntingHuntington disease: CAG
  • MyMyotonic dystrophy: CTG
  • FragileFragile X syndrome: CGG
  • FriendFriedreich ataxia: GAA

Why it matters clinically

These disorders show anticipation, with earlier onset in later generations.

Where it stops being reliable

Covers four common conditions only; the repeat letters must be learned with the gene and inheritance.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Medical genetics mnemonic?

Hunting My Fragile Friend. It helps you recall: Trinucleotide repeat disorders and their repeats.

What does "Hunting" stand for?

Huntington disease: CAG

What does "My" stand for?

Myotonic dystrophy: CTG

What does "Fragile" stand for?

Fragile X syndrome: CGG

What are all the parts of the Hunting My Fragile Friend mnemonic?

Hunting: Huntington disease: CAG; My: Myotonic dystrophy: CTG; Fragile: Fragile X syndrome: CGG; Friend: Friedreich ataxia: GAA.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Medical genetics in Anatomy.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Covers four common conditions only; the repeat letters must be learned with the gene and inheritance.

How is this useful clinically?

These disorders show anticipation, with earlier onset in later generations.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anatomy question about Medical genetics.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.