Atypical Sex Chromosone Patterns Flashcards
What is meant by atypical sex chromosome patterns
-any sex chromosome pattern that deviates form the usual XX or XY , tends to associate with distinct pattern of physical/psychological symptoms
What is klinefelters syndrome (atypical sex chromosome pattens)
-affects about 1/600 males
-biological / anatomical males with extra X chromosome XXY
-10% identified by prenatal diagnosis , 2/3 ish unaware they have it
-diagnosis usually comes accidentally by medical examination for unrelated condition
What physical characteristics are there for klinefelters syndrome
-reduced body hair with extra X compared to XY male
-possible breast development (gynaecomastia) and ‘softening’ of body contours
-long gangly limbs
-underdeveloped genitals
-maybe issues with coordination , clumsiness
-susceptible to health issues that are more common in females like breast cancer
What psychological/behavioural characteristics are there for klinefelters
-poorly developed language skills , reading ability
-passive, shy, lack of interest in sexual activity
-tend not to respond well to stressful situations , and issues with ‘executive functions’ like memory and problem solving
What is Turner’s syndrome (atypical sex chromosome pattern)
-affects approx 1/5000 females
-absence of XX , referred to as XO
-45 chromosomes instead of 46
What physical characteristics are there for Turner’s syndrome
-no menstrual cycle (amenorrhoea)
-ovaries dont develop, so infertile
-no breasts at puberty
-broad ‘shield’ chest
-low set ears, ‘webbed’ neck
-high waist-to-hip ratio
-adults with turners are physically immature , tend to retain appearance of prepubescent girls
What psychological/behavioural characteristics are there for Turner’s syndrome
-in contrast to klinefelters, there’s a higher than average reading ability
-but performance on spatial, visual memory and mathematical tasks is lower than average
-also socially immature ,trouble relating to peers, difficulty ‘fitting in’
Whats a strength of research into atypical sex chromosome syndromes and its contribution to nature-nurture debate
Comparing ppl with these syndromes to those with chromosome-typical people, is possible to see psychological/behavioural differences between 2 groups (girls with turners , higher verbal ability, talk more than ‘typical’ girls)
Can logically infer that differences have a biological basis , and direct result of abnormal chromosomal structure
Support view that nature influences have powerful effect on psychology and behaviour
Whats the counterpoint to research into atypical sex chromosome syndromes and its contribution to nature/nurture debate
Relationship between atypical patterns associated with klinefelters and turners and differences in behaviours isn’t causal
Could be environmental/social influences that are more responsible for whats observed
Eg social immaturity seen in females with turners may arise as they are treated ‘immaturely’ by people
Parents/teachers may react to the prepubescent appearance that will encourage immaturity and may directly impact school performance
Shows it could be wrong to assume psychological / behavioural differences in those with syndrome are due to nature
Whats a further strength of research and its application to managing symptoms
Continued research into atypical sex chromosome patterns likely to lead to earlier/more accurate diagnoses of turners/klinefelters + more +ve outcomes for future
Australian study - 87 ppl with klinefelters showed those identified form young age/ treated experienced significant benefits in managing syndrome , compared to diagnosis in adulthood
Suggests that increased awareness of atypical chromosome patterns has use in real world
Whats a limitation of research and its sampling issue with the description of klinefelters
To identify XXY and XO individuals, necessary to identify large number of ppl with disorder , build a database
So we can see full range of characteristics from mild to severe
Generally, only those w severe symptoms identified
Picture of typical symptoms distorted
Boada et al report prospective studies have produced more accurate picture of traits
Many with klinefelters don’t have significant cog/psychological issues, highly successful academically/careers/personal lives
Suggests typical picture of klinefelters could be exaggerated
