Atypical sex chromosome patterns Flashcards
What are atypical sex chromosome patterns?
variations in the 23rd pair of chromosome from the typical XY and XX
What is the chromosomal pattern for Klinefelter’s syndrome?
XXY
What sex does Klinefelter’s syndrome affect?
Biological males
What are some physical characteristics of Klinefeleter’s syndrome?
- some breast development at puberty (gynaecomastia)
- softening or rounding of body contours
- long gangly limbs
- underdeveloped genitals
- reduced body hair
- coordination problems
What are some psychological characteristics of Klinefelter’s syndrome?
- poor memory + problems solving skills
- poor reading abilities
- poor language skills
- do not respond well to stressful situations
- passive, shy and lack interest in sexual activity
How many males does Klinefelter’s syndrome affect?
1 in 1,000
What is the chromosomal pattern for Turner’s syndrome?
XO
What sex does Turner’s syndrome affect?
Biological females
What are some physical characteristics of Turner syndrome?
- ovaries fail to develop
- appearance of a prepubescent girl
- webbed neck
- no menstrual cycle
- limited breast development
- Hips not much bigger than waist
What is some psychological characteristics of Klinefelter’s syndrome?
- Higher than average reading ability
- poor visual/spatial awareness
- poor memory
- poor math skills
- Socially immature
- Difficulty fitting in
How many women does Turner syndrome affect?
1 in 2,000
A03 One strength of research into atypical sex chromosomes and out knowledge of gendered behaviour is that it has practical applications
- Our understanding of atypical sex chromosomes help people understand why the act/look different than people who are the same age/gender as them
- Child feels it’s not their fault they are different
- early access to medical and psychological support
- Hormone therapy for KS and organ replacement for TS
- This means that research into atypical sex chromosome patterns has allowed us to to identify innate influences on gendered psychological and physical characteristics and provide treatment
A03 Furthermore research into atypical chromosome patterns contribute to our understanding of gendered behaviour in terms of the nature-nurture debate.
- Comparing these individuals with chromosomal typical ones we can see the psychological and behavioural differences
- Feminisation of KS can be used as evidence of sex differences as typical chromosomes are confident
- Bancroft et al (1982) KS boys have problems relating to other boys, less sexually interested in girls and don’t exhibit stereotypical male interest
- This provides support for the role of innate chromosomes and genes influencing gendered behaviour as it promotes aspects of typical gendered behaviour arise from typical sex chromosomes
A03 However it may be wrong to assume that psychological differences are result of chromosomal differences
- Could be physical differences - looking more feminine (KS) or less feminine (TS)
- may change the way people interact with those people
- TS may be treated as immature due to their immature appearance and act more immature
- Therefore we cannot assume that all gendered behaviour is solely innate and if the innate influences are causal
A03 A limitation of using atypical chromosomal patterns in understanding gender is the issue of sampling with the Klinefelter’s syndrome
- In order to identify characteristics of XXY and XO individuals - you need large sample and build a database
- So we can see mild to extreme characteristics
- Only people who have extreme symptoms are identified and assumed as typical characteristics
- Richard Boada et al (2009) report that prospective studies (following XXY from birth) have proved more accurate picture - people with KS do not experience significant cognitive or psychological problems
- Suggests that the typical picture of KS and TS characteristics are exaggerated therefore exaggerating the influence of chromosomes in gendered behaviour
