Atypical Sex Chromosomes Flashcards
What are atypical sex chromosomes?
Chromosome patterns which deviate from the typical XX and XY chromosome patterns which give us female and male characteristics.
What is Klinefelters?
Affects 1 in 750 males. Biologically male but have an extra chromosome; their chromosome pattern is XXY. Not physically noticeable and is usually found in a routine medical check.
What are the physical characteristics of Klinefelters?
Reduced body hair
Underdeveloped genitals (shorter than average penis)
Some great development may occur during puberty
Example sentence: Klinefelters individuals may experience reduced body hair and underdeveloped genitals.
What are the psychological characteristics of Klinefelters?
Shy/passive
Memory and problem solving issues
Poor reading and language skills
Example sentence: Individuals with Klinefelters may exhibit shy/passive behavior and have memory and problem solving issues.
What is Turners?
Affects 1 in 5000 females. Biologically female but are missing a chromosome therefore they only have 45 chromosomes; their chromosome pattern is XO. Noticeable from birth.
What are the physical characteristics of Turners?
Do not develop ovaries therefore do not have a menstrual cycle
Broad shield chest
Webbed neck
Example sentence: Turners individuals may have a broad shield chest and a webbed neck.
What are the psychological characteristics of Turners?
Higher reading ability
Socially immature: find it hard to fit in with peers
Low visual, spatial and mathematical skills
Example sentence: Turners individuals may have higher reading ability but struggle with social maturity.
What does comparing typical and atypical sex chromosome patterns develop?
Our understanding of physical and psychological differences and highlights that biology has an influence on people (nature)
This develops our understanding of the impact nature has on sex and gender in the differences in people.
What has earlier identification of atypical sex chromosome patterns led to?
Treatment/methods to thrive
Those that were identified as having atypical sex chromosome patterns had significant benefits to those in adulthood. This improves the quality of life, as these conditions can affect people psychologically (e.g schools can support SEN children. Klinefelters children can now get the support they need with reading and Turners children can get supported with maths).
What can social immaturity be attributed to?
Environmental influence rather than biological
For example, girls with Turners may become socially isolated during puberty therefore we cannot assume the physical and psychological differences are just due to nature.
What is the limitation of research on Klinefelters?
All research of Klinefelters is based on 33% of males with Klinefelters therefore the research is not representative of the condition many males experience, there may be less differences. The research is limited.
