Gender - Atypical Sex Chromosome Patterns Flashcards
What are atypical sex chromosome patterns?
Any sex chromosome pattern that deviates from the usual (XX/XY) & tends to be associated with a distinct pattern of physical and psychological symptoms
What are the two conditions based on atypical sex chromosome patterns?
Klinefelter’s syndrome
Turner’s syndrome
How many individuals are affected by klinefelter’s syndrome?
1 in 500 - 1 in 1000
What is the chromosome formation of an individual with klinefelter’s syndrome?
XXY
Are people with klinefelter’s biologically male or female?
Male
What are some of the physical characteristics of an individual with klinefelter’s?
Reduced body hair
Breast development
Rounding of body contours
Long limbs
Underdeveloped genetalia
What are some of the psychological characteristics of an individual with klinefelter’s?
Passive & shy
Doesn’t respond well to stressful situations
Poor memory and problem solving abilities
Poor reading ability
Coordination problems
How many individuals are affected by Turner’s syndrome?
1 in 5000
What is the chromosome formation of an individual with turner’s syndrome?
XO (absence of 2nd X)
Are people with turner’s biologically male of female?
Female
What are some of the physical characteristics of an individual with Turner’s syndrome?
Amenorrhoea (no periods)
Webbed neck
Hips not much bigger than waist
Don’t develop breasts
Ovaries fail to develop
Appearance of pre-pubescent girl
What are some of the psychological characteristics of an individual with Turner’s syndrome?
Higher than average reading ability
Poor memory & math skills
Socially immature
Difficulty fitting in
Poor spatial awareness
How do you treat klinefelter’s?
HRT (testosterone replacement) -> can increase hormone levels (produces bigger muscles, deepens voice & stimulates facial & body hair growth
Fertility treatments (for those who want to father children)
How do you treat turner’s?
Growth hormone injections (in early childhood) -> can increase adult height by few inches
HRT (oestrogen replacement) -> started at time of normal puberty (start breast development)
Oestrogen & progesterone -> begin periods
How has atypical sex chromosome patterns contributed to the nature-nurture debate?
These individuals can be compared with ‘normal’ individuals to see the psych & behavioural differences between them -> can be logically inferred these have a bio basis & direct result of abnormal chromosomes (suggests nature has powerful effect on behaviour)
How might abnormal sex chromosome patterns not explain the effect of the environment on the person?
Relationship between chromosomes & behaviour isnt causal
Environment & social influences more responsible -> e.g. social immaturity could arise from how they are treated immaturely (turner’s)
What practical application is there to support the idea of atypical sex chromosome patterns in gender?
Australian study of 87 individuals with klinefelter’s showed those who were treated from a young age had significant benefits compared to those in adulthood. (Herlihy et al) -> increased awareness has practical application
How are people with klinefelter’s and turner’s an unusual sample?
Lack of generalisability & people who look different because of chromosomes are unlikely to be treated the same (can muddy waters trying to assess contribution of nature and nurture in terms of behavioural & psych differences
