Down Syndrome
Biology Genetic Disease Project
Why I chose Down syndrome.
I chose Trisomy 21 because it was one of the genetic diseases in our notes. I chose it to educate and learn more about it.
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, effects 1 in 830 newborns. This disease is caused when there are 21 extra chromosomes in a zygote. Down syndrome can cause one to have speech problems, stubbornness, bad behaviors, weak muscle tones, and digestive problems. The chance of a child getting Down syndrome increases as the woman gets older. Down syndrome generally affects the face.
Symptoms
- flattened facial profile
- a short neck
- a small head, neck, and mouth
- rounded eyes
- poor muscle tone
- wide hands, short fingers
- physical development in children
Causes
Down syndrome is not a mutation it is a chromosome disorder. The cause of Down syndrome is a mutation in the cell division stage called nondisjunction. Nondisjunction is when one or more pairs of sister chromatids fail to separate normally during nuclear division.
Trisomy 21 - Down Syndrome
Is Down syndrome inherited?
Trisomy 21 is not a sex- linked disorder, anyone can have this genetic disease. Down syndrome is an error in the fetal development stage so it is not either parents fault. Therefore Down syndrome is neither dominant or recessive.
Treatment
- Physical therapy
- Speech- language therapy
- Emotional and behavioral therapies
- Occupational therapy
- Amino acid supplements
Just Like You-Down Syndrome
Diagnosing Down syndrome
Screening tests like ultrasounds and blood tests are performed to see if someone has Down syndrome. If the screening tests show that the person likely has Down syndrome, diagnostic tests can be performed as well. Diagnosing after a baby is born is looking at the physical features of the baby.
What I learned....
Researching Down syndrome I learned how many people are actually effected by the disease. I also learned that Down syndrome is neither dominant or recessive so anyone can get it.