Atypical Sex Chromo Patterns

Question 1

Klinefelter’s Syndrome - XXY

Answer 1

Male is born with an extra X chromosome (XXY).

Question 2

XXY - Physical Characteristics

Answer 2

Some physical effects of XXY chromosome structure are:
* Less body hair
* Taller
* Less muscular
* Some breast development at puberty.
* Underdeveloped genitals - infertile
* More susceptible to health problems that are usually associated with females, such as breast cancer.

Question 3

XXY - Psychological Characteristics

Answer 3

Klinefelter’s syndrome is linked to psych characteristics such as:
* Poorly developed language skills and reading ability.
* Passive, shy and lacking interest in sexual activity.
* Tend not to respond well to stressful situations.
* Issues with problem-solving tasks.

Question 4

Turner’s Syndrome - XO

Answer 4

A female is born without a second X chromosome (X).

Question 5

XO - Physical Characteristics

Answer 5

Individuals with Turner’s syndrome have:
* Shorter
* Dysfuntional ovaries - sterile
* A broad ‘shield’ chest and no developing of breasts at puberty.
* Low-set ears and a ‘webbed’ neck.
* Hips are not much bigger than the waist.

Question 6

XO - Psych Characteristics

Answer 6

Psychological characteristics of Turner’s syndrome:
* Higher-than-average reading ability.
* Bad performance on spatial, visual memory and mathematical tasks.
* Tendency to be socially immature.

Question 7

Strength of the Research

Answer 7

CONTRIBUTES TO NATURE-NURTURE DEBATE

1) Comparing both chromosome-typical and atypical individuals highlights psychological and behavioural differences.
2) Can say these differences have a biological basis and are a direct result of the abnormal chromosomal structure.
—> suggest that innate nature influences have a powerful effect on psychology and behaviour.

Question 8

Strength of Research

Answer 8

APPLICATION TO MANAGING THE CONDITIONS

1) Continued research into atypical sex chromosome patterns leads to earlier and more accurate diagnoses and positive outcomes.
2) A study of 87 individuals with
Klinefelter’s syndrome showed that those identified when young benefitted in terms of managing their condition (Herlihy et al.
2011).
—> This suggests that increased awareness of these conditions has real-world application.

Question 9

Limitation of Study

Answer 9

MAY BE A SAMPLING ISSUE

1) Generally, only those ppl who have the most severe symptoms are included in the Klinefelter’s database, therefore the typical profile may be distorted.
2) The use of prospective studies show the majority of those with Klinefelter’s don’t have cognitive or psychological problems, and many are highly successful (Boada et al. 2009).
—> Suggests that the typical picture of Klinefelter’s syndrome may be exaggerated.