3/ Gender - Atypical sex and chromosomes patterns Flashcards
what two syndromes have I studied?
Klinefelters syndrome and turners syndrome
how is klinefelters syndrome caused?
Not inherited- caused during meiosis - due to an error in cell division an egg or spam cell end up with an extra X chromosome- result in males having XXY pattern.
which gender does the klinefleters syndrome effect?
male- 1 in 750 biological males.
how does klinefelters syndrome effect males physically?
-small testes that produce insufficient testosterone therefore they have less facial hair, pubic hair, often infertile. A tall thin body with disproportionally long arms and legs
how does klinefelters syndrome effect males psychologically?
-may have dyspraxia (coordination difficulties), dyslexia, speech and language difficulties, behavioural problems - boys tend to be shy and have low self-confidence
what research has been done into the klinefelters syndrome?
11 paps with KS and 11 not. All took part in psychiatric interview and MRI scan. - found abnormalities in brain areas of most males with KS.
what is turners syndrome?
individuals with this disorder have one X chromosome instead of 2 - referred to as X0
what sex does tuners syndrome affect?
1-2500 females
what physical effects does turners syndrome have on females?
-shorter than average, undeveloped ovaries, no menstrual cycle, webbed neck, eye problems, broad chest.
what psychological effects does turners syndrome have on females?
-good language and reading skills, performance on spatial, visual memory and mathematical tasks are lower than average. socially immature and find it hard to fit it.
what research has been done into the turners syndrome?
MRI scans on 26 girls with turners syndrome and 26 without. turners syndrome girls had smaller cerebral brain areas suggesting the disorder affects growth of certain brain areas which are linked to the developmental effects seen with this disorder
what is a criticism of atypical sex patterns associated with the syndromes?
differences in behaviour are not casual. for example girls with turners syndrome may be treated immature because of their immature appearance - therefore could be socialisation that causes some psychological factors not the actual syndrome.
what PA has research into atypical patterns brought to us?
earlier diagnosis and effective treatments - testosterone replacement therapy for KS and growth hormones for girls with TS and oestrogen for breast development.
what is an issue of this research?
socially sensitive area of research, as earlier diagnosis can take place mothers may feel more pressured to have an abortion.
