Polycystic kidney disease is categorized as a(n) _____ disorder.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is categorized as an inherited disorder because it results from genetic mutations that are passed down from parents to their children. Specifically, the most common forms of PKD are autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive, meaning that the condition can be inherited through a single copy of a defective gene or both copies, respectively. Individuals with a family history of PKD are at a higher risk of developing the disease due to these genetic factors.

In contrast, infectious disorders are caused by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, and acquired disorders arise from environmental factors or lifestyle choices rather than genetic inheritance. Degenerative disorders typically involve the gradual deterioration of cells or tissues but do not encompass conditions like PKD that are predominantly driven by genetic inheritance. Thus, the classification of polycystic kidney disease as an inherited disorder underscores the critical role of genetics in the development and transmission of this condition.