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Down Syndrome Research Paper

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In every cell in the body there is a nucleus and this is the location where genetic material lives. These genes are responsible for carrying the inherited traits that we get from our parents, in the form of chromosomes. Normally each cell contains a nucleus with a pair of 23 chromosomes, half of which come from mom and the other half coming from dad. The genotype in the example given is that of a person with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that results in learning disabilities and physical abnormalities. Most cases of Down syndrome are caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. An extra chromosome, making 3 of one kind, is called a trisomy and the most common is trisomy 21. This may be a chromosome given to the child from the father but a portion of mothers can also pass the chromosome to the child, mothers that get pregnant over 35 years of age have been shown to pass on the chromosome. Physical appearance will lead a doctor to suspect a patient with Down syndrome but a blood test is needed to determine if the patient has the extra chromosome. Down syndrome can affect many parts of the body, there are …show more content…

Organ systems such as the brain, digestive tract, endocrine system, heart, eyes, ears, muscles, and bones can all be affected by Down syndrome. A patient with the brain affected by Down syndrome can have intellectual disabilities, delayed speech, and delayed motor skills. When the brain is affected they may also have Autistic behavior and even have Alzheimer disease. A person with Down syndrome may have malformed intestines or even other gastrointestinal diseases. They may become hypothyroid or diabetic as well. Cataracts, glaucoma, crossed eyes, or even hearing loss and chronic ear infections have been associated with Down syndrome. Short stature, predisposition to obesity, and abnormally loose joints are all physical abnormalities associated with Down

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