Atypical Sex Chromosome Patterns

Question 1

What is an Atypical chromosome pattern?

Answer 1

A chromosome pattern that deviates away from the usual typical XX or XY chromosome pattern on the 23rd chromosome pair.

Question 2

What are the causes of atypical chromosome patterns?

Answer 2

Turners Syndrome

Kleinfelters syndrome

Question 3

Why do we study atypical chromosome patterns?

Answer 3

• To compare the behavioural and physical differences between individuals who have atypical chromosome patterns to those who don’t
• This allows us to make inferences on wether gender differences between those who do have atypical chromosome patterns and those who don’t are biologically determined supporting nature on the nature vs nurture debate

Question 4

Outline what kleinfelters syndrome is?

Answer 4

• It is an inherited disorder that affects only males which causes them to gain an extra X chromosome so their chromosome pattern is XXY
• males with kleinfelters syndrome will still usually Identify themselves as male and display masculine stereotypical behaviour associated with being male

Question 5

Outline the effects of kleinfelters syndrome

Answer 5

Reduced testosterone levels and unable to reproduce

Question 6

Outline what Turners syndrome is?

Answer 6

• It is an inherited disorder that affects only females and causes them to only have one X chromosome instead of the typical XY chromosome pattern and are considered to have XO
• females with turners syndrome will still usually identify as female and display stereotypical behaviour

Question 8

Identify 4 psychological characteristics of individuals with kleinfelters syndrome

Answer 8

• Passive and shy temperament
• do not respond well to stress
• Lack of interest in sexual activities
• below average reading skills and language skills

Question 9

Outline the effects of turners syndrome

Answer 9

Decreased production in oestrogen and progesterone which makes the females unable to reproduce

Question 10

Identify 4 physical characteristics of a male with kleinfelters syndrome.

Answer 10

• reduced body hair
• reduced muscle mass
• weaker bones
• underdeveloped genitals

Question 11

Identify 3 psychological characteristics of an individual with turners syndrome

Answer 11

• Higher than average reading abilities and language skills
• socially immature and find it difficult to fit in with peers
• poor mathematical abilities and below average spatial skills

Question 12

Outline how People with either kleinfelters or turners syndrome are treated

Answer 12

Hormone replacement therapy and fertility treatment

Question 13

AO3 for atypical sex chromosome patterns

Answer 13

• Nature and inferences
• nature vs nurture (no cause and effect, interactionist, turners syndrome)
• practical application (treatments)

Question 14

Identify 4 physical characteristics of an individual with turners syndrome

Answer 14

• Amenorrhoea (no menstrual cycle)
• Look physically immature
• Weaker bones
• Broad chest (underdeveloped breast)