Atypical sex chromosome patterns Flashcards
State two atypical sex chromosome patterns
Klinefelter’s syndrome and Turner’s syndrome.
Outline Klinefelter’s syndrome
An abnormal / atypical chromosome pattern in males, where there is an extra X chromosome (XXY configuration). Around 1/500-1000 affected.
State the physical differences for Klinefelter’s syndrome
Taller than average, longer limbs, reduced body hair, breast development, less muscular coordination, underdeveloped genitalia resulting in possible infertility.
Describe the psychological differences for Klinefelter’s syndrome
Poorly developed language and reading skills, displaying a passive and shy temperament, lacking interest in sexual activity and issues with memory and problem-solving.
Outline Turner’s syndrome
An abnormal / atypical chromosome pattern in females, where there is only one X chromosome (XO configuration) – meaning affected females only have 45 chromosomes.
State the physical differences for Turner’s syndrome
Shorter than average, high waist-to-hip ratio, no breast development, webbed neck, broad / ‘shield-like’ chest, underdeveloped ovaries – resulting in a lack of / no menstrual cycle and possible infertility.
Describe the psychological differences for Turner’s syndrome
Higher than average reading ability, poor spatial, visual memory and mathematical skills, social immaturity and troubles ‘fitting in’ amongst peers.
2 Strengths of atypical sex chromosome patterns.
Practical application of research:
Research into patients affected with Klinefelter’s syndrome and Turner’s syndrome has seen the development of therapies and methods of early intervention that improve the quality and duration of their lives. For example, treating stunted physical growth often seen with Turner’s syndrome with growth hormones and the treatment of Klinefelter’s syndrome with testosterone therapy. Moreover, continued research into atypical sex chromosome patterns is likely to lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of Turner’s and Klinefelter’s syndromes. This has the ability to lead to more positive outcomes for individuals in the future if continued awareness is placed on expanding access to support and overall knowledge of atypical sex chromosome patterns.
Contribution to nature nurture debate:
Research investigating people with atypical sex chromosome patterns has proved useful in contributing to our understanding of the nature-nurture debate in gender development. By comparing people who have these conditions with chromosome-typical individuals it allows us to see distinct differences between the two groups.
For example, females with Turner’s syndrome tend to have higher verbal ability and tend to talk more than ‘typical’ girls. It might be logically inferred that these differences have a biological basis and are a direct result of the abnormal chromosomal structure. This would support the view that innate ‘nature’ influences have a powerful effect on psychology and behaviour.
2 Limitations of atypical sex chromosome patterns
It relies on stereotypes of gender appropriate behaviour:
The assumption that individuals with Turner’s syndrome are socially immature or those with Klinefelter’s syndrome have a lower sex drive is based on societal expectations of normal social maturity and interest in sexual activity rather than objective biological differences. Also we cannot establish a causal relationship between symptoms and biology as for example, social immaturity seen in females with Turner’s syndrome may arise from the fact that they are treated ‘immaturely’ by the people around them due to their pre-pubescent appearance. Further, Maccoby and Jacklin’s (1974) research highlights that there are greater differences between the sexes than within. This suggests these behaviours may not be caused by the syndromes themselves but could instead be shaped by social expectations. As a result, attributing these symptoms to atypical sex chromosomes and using these to contribute to our ideas of gender may be inaccurate.
Sampling and population validity:
In general, only those people who have the most severe symptoms are identified which suggests that research into Turner’s and Klinefelter’s syndrome lacks population validity. Research is therefore based on an unrepresentative sample as it likely excludes those who have milder symptoms, resulting in a distorted picture of “typical symptoms.”
Boada et al. (2009) found prospective studies following XXY individuals from birth produced a more accurate picture of the characteristics – many people with Klinefelter’s don’t experience significant cognitive or psychological problems and many are highly successful academically and in their personal lives and careers.
This suggests that the typical picture of Klinefelter’s and Turner’s syndrome may be exaggerated as research is skewed in its focus, therefore limiting the validity of such research.
