Atypical sex chromosomes

Question 1

Klinefelters syndrome

Answer 1

Atypical sex chromosome pattern, male with additonal X chromosome, XXY
Tall thin physique, small infertile testes, enlarged breasts, reduced body hair
May have co-ordination problems and clumsiness
Poorly developed language skills, shy and lack intrest in sex
Problems with ‘executive function’, memory and problem-solving

Question 2

Turners syndrome

Answer 2

Female without an X chromosome, XO, 45 instead of 46
Don’t have menstrual cycle, ovaries don’t develop and are infertile
Do not develop breasts, low set webs and “webbed” neck
Physically immature, retain appearance of prepubescent girls
Higher than average reading ability
Perform lower on visual memory and mathematic tasks
Socially immature, trouble relating to peers

Question 3

Evaluation

Answer 3

Nature-nurture debate- Possible to see differences between, differences may be due to biology due to different chromosomes. Support view that nature powerful effect on behaviour. However, differences may be due to environment, turners syndrome women treated immaturely leading to social immaturity

Real world application- Application to managing syndromes, research likely lead to more accurate diagnoses and positive outcomes. Australian study of 87 people with Klinefelters showed those treated at young age experienced benefits with managing syndrome

Sampling issue- Only those with more severe symptoms are identified and picture may be distorted. Study of those with Klinefelters found do not experience significant cognitive problems, typical characteristics may be exaggerated