Atypical sex chromosome patterns

Question 1

What is an atypical sex chromosome pattern?

Answer 1

Anyone who doesn’t conform to the typical XX or XY pattern

Question 2

Who does Klinefelter’s affect?

Answer 2

Biological males

Question 3

What is the chromosome pattern for someone with Klinefelter’s?

Answer 3

XXY

Question 4

What are 3 physical characteristics of Klinefelter’s?

Answer 4

• Rounded body contours
• Reduced body hair
• Underdeveloped genitals

Question 5

What are 3 psychological characteristics of Klinefelter’s?

Answer 5

• Poor reading/language skills
• Shy and passive
• Don’t deal well with stress

Question 6

How many people have Klinefelter’s?

Answer 6

1 in 600

Question 7

Who does Turner’s syndrome affect?

Answer 7

Biological females

Question 8

How many people have Turner’s?

Answer 8

1 in 5000

Question 9

What is the chromosome pattern for Turner’s?

Answer 9

XO

Question 10

What are 3 physical characteristics of Turner’s?

Answer 10

• No menstrual cycle
• Broad chest
• High waist to hip ratio

Question 11

What are 3 psychological characteristics of Turner’s?

Answer 11

• Higher than average reading ability
• Poor visual/spatial/maths skills
• Socially immature

Question 12

One strength of research into atypical sex chromosome patterns - Contribution to nature-nurture debate

Answer 12

• Comparing atypical to typical patterns helps to see behavioural/psychological differences
• For example, Turner’s have a higher than average reading ability
• Infers the differences have a biological basis
• Supports the view that innate nature influences have an affect on psychology/behaviour

Question 13

One strength of research - Managing the syndromes

Answer 13

• Leads to more accurate/earlier diagnoses
• Australian study: 87 people with Klinefelter’s, those identified/treated from a young age experienced benefits, in terms of managing their condition
• Suggests increased awareness of atypical patterns does have real-world application

Question 14

Limitation - May be a sampling issue

Answer 14

• Have a database of people with the conditions, but must have a range of mild to severe symptoms
• Only those with severe symptoms are indentified meaning the picture of the symptoms are distorted
• Boada et al: XXY individuals from birth, many with Klinefelter’s don’t have significant cognitive/psychological issues and are academically successful
• Picture of the syndromes may be exaggerated