Monday, August 20, 2012

STPM Biology - chapter 17: Revision essay question 6

6. Describe the chromosomal events which may have led to a person with the genetic disorder Down syndrome.

Answer


Down syndrome is an example of aneuploidy. There is an abnormal number of autosomes.it is a results of non-disjuction during meiosis. The two chromosomes number 21 fails to separateduring anaphase I or anaphase II of meiosis. The gametes produced contain 24 chromosomes (two copies of chromosome 21) and 22 chromosomes ( no chromosomes 21). When a sperm cell containing 23 chromosomes fuses with an ovum contaning 24 chromosomes, the zygote formed contains trisomy 21 (three chromosomes 21).
The induviduals with trisomy 21 may be males or females. They have flat, broad faces, slanted eyes with skin folds in the inner corner, protuding tongue, short palms, hanging mouth, wide nose and are mentally retarded. They usually have congenital heart defects, reduced resistance to diseases and a shortened lifespan.


Assignment submitted by L.Y., Kong,  S. H., Lim, S. C., Soo, C. W.

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