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Fragile X Syndrome Analysis

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In 1943 two men, Martin and Bell discovered a gene condition called Fragile X Syndrome. 2 Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition, which may cause an intellectual disability, behavioural and learning difficulties and various other physical characterstics.1 It occurs when the female gene (X-gene) is repeated over 50-200 times, this is called Fragile X permutation. 1 In 1969, Herbert Lubs established the chromosomal test for Fragile X Syndrome. Fragile X Syndrome is an inherited condition in which the X chromosome is passed on from the parent to the child. If the woman has the affect X, they will have an increased chance for passing the gene on but as men have an Y as well as an X chromosome, if they have Fragile X Syndrome, their sons won’t be affected as they have their fathers Y chromosome. It is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability in males and a major cause of intellectual disability in females.
There is currently no cure for this condition yet and treatment is generally based on the symptoms the individual has.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the only examination for Fragile X Syndrome was a test in which blood was taken to test for chromosomes.3 However, this was unreliable as not always accurate. In the 1990s scientists identified a specific gene that causes Fragile X Syndrome and …show more content…

It is estimated that once a week a child is born who is fully affected and 20 births a week are affected by Fragile X Syndrome. 1 Another impact that it may have on society is in early pregnancy through testing such as Amniocentesis or a blood test called non invasive pregnancy testing parents can be made aware of a fetus that they are carrying that has Fragile X Syndrome. 4 With this information they may choose to not continue with the pregnancy. This gives the parents options of choice that wasn’t available 20 years ago but also very difficult ethical

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