Atypical sex chromosome patterns

Question 1

what are the two different types of syndromes associated with atypical sex chromosome patterns

Answer 1

• Klinefelter’s syndrome
• Turner’s syndrome

Question 2

does Klinefelter’s syndrome affect men or women

Answer 2

men

Question 3

how many men does Klinefelter’s affect

Answer 3

1 in 600

Question 4

what additional chromosome do people with Klinefelter’s have

Answer 4

an additional X chromosome

Question 5

what is people with Klinefelter’s syndrome chromosomal structure

Answer 5

XXY

Question 6

what % of cases are identified by prenatal diagnosis

Answer 6

10%

Question 7

what fraction of people have this syndrome and are not aware of it

Answer 7

2/3

Question 8

what are the physical characteristics of this syndrome

Answer 8

• reduced body hair compared to an XY male
• some breast development and a ‘rounding’ of body contours.
• have long gangly limbs
• underdeveloped genitals
• may have problems with coordination and dizziness
• suseptibile to health problems commonly found in women like breast cancer.

Question 9

what are the psychological characteristics of Klinefelter’s syndrome

Answer 9

• poorly developed language skills and reading ability
• passive, shy and lack interest in sexual activity
• tend not to respond well to stressful situations
• may have problems in memory and problem solving.

Question 10

does Turner’s syndrome affect men or women

Answer 10

women

Question 11

approx how many women have Turner’s syndrome

Answer 11

1 in 5000

Question 12

what is Turner’s syndrome caused by

Answer 12

caused by an absence of one of the two alloted X chromosomes

Question 13

what is the chromosomal symbol of Turner’s syndrome

Answer 13

XO - because of missing X chromosome

Question 14

how many chromosomes do people who have Turner’s syndrome have?

Answer 14

45 not 46

Question 15

what are the physical characteristics of those with Turner’s syndrome

Answer 15

• do not have a menstrual cycle
• ovaries don’t develop so are infertile
• have a broad ‘shield’ chest
• low set ears
• webbed neck
• high waist to hip ratio, hips are not much bigger than waist
• physically immature and tend to retain apperence of a prepubescent girl.

Question 16

what are the psychological characteristics of those with Turner’s syndrome

Answer 16

• have higher than average reading ability.
• performance on spatial, visual memory and mathematical tasks often lower than average
• socially immature
• have trouble relating to their peers and experience difficulty ‘fitting in’

Question 17

what are the strengths to atypical sex chromosome patterns

Answer 17

• supports the view that innate ‘nature’ influences have a powerful effect on psychology and behaviour. Symptoms are a direct result of abnormal chromosomal structures.
• has real world application: can help lead to early diagnosis and manage symptoms. An Australian study of 87 ppl with Klinefelter’s showed those who were identified sooner had significant benefits in managing their symptoms than those diagnosed in adulthood (Herlihy et al 2011)

Question 18

what are the limitations to atypical sex chromosome patterns

Answer 18

• they may only act immature bc people are treating them that way which will encourage immature behaviour. Its wrong to assume its all due to nature.
• there are sampling issues in Klinefelter’s syndrome. Only those who have the most severe symptoms are identified so the typical symptoms may be distorted. May be exaggerated.