Abnormalities of chromosome number Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is polyploidy?
The presence of a complete set of extra chromosomes in a cell
Commonly seen in plants and occasionally in humans
What are euploid cells?
Cells that contain a multiple of 23 chromosomes
Includes haploid gametes and diploid somatic cells
What are the karyotypes for triploidy and tetraploidy in humans?
Triploidy: 69,XXX; Tetraploidy: 92,XXXX
Assumes all sex chromosomes are X
What is the most common cause of triploidy?
Fertilization of an egg by two sperm (dispermy)
Can also result from fusion of an ovum and a polar body
What is the frequency of triploidy in live births?
About 1 in 10,000 live births
Accounts for an estimated 15% of chromosome abnormalities at conception
What is aneuploidy?
Cells that contain missing or additional individual chromosomes
Not a multiple of 23 chromosomes
What are the two main types of aneuploidies?
Monosomy and trisomy
Monosomy: one copy of a chromosome; Trisomy: three copies of a chromosome
What is the most common cause of aneuploidy?
Nondisjunction during meiosis
Can occur in meiosis I or II
What is Trisomy 21 commonly known as?
Down syndrome
Most common autosomal aneuploid condition compatible with survival
What are the characteristic facial features of Down syndrome?
Depressed nasal root, upslanting palpebral fissures, overfolded ears, flattened maxillary region
Other features include short neck and round cheeks
What percentage of individuals with Down syndrome have congenital heart defects?
Approximately 40%
Most common defect is an atrioventricular (AV) canal
What is the estimated survival rate for children with Down syndrome to age 5?
More than 90%
Significant improvements due to medical advancements
What is the recurrence risk for Down syndrome among mothers younger than 30 years?
About 1%
This is 10 times higher than the population risk for this age group
What is the typical IQ range for individuals with Down syndrome?
Standardized IQ ranging from 40 to 60
Accounts for about 10% of all cases of intellectual disability in the U.S.
What is the role of the DYRK1A gene in Down syndrome?
Candidate for intellectual disability when overexpressed
Affects learning and memory
What is mosaicism in the context of Down syndrome?
Presence of some normal somatic cells and some cells with trisomy 21
Seen in approximately 2% to 4% of trisomy 21 live births
What is the significance of maternal age in Down syndrome cases?
Stronger correlation with increased risk of producing a child with Down syndrome
About 75% of maternal nondisjunction occurs during meiosis I
What is the common medical problem related to hearing in children with Down syndrome?
Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
Routine hearing tests recommended
Fill in the blank: The extra chromosome in Down syndrome is contributed by the ________ in approximately 90% of cases.
mother
True or False: All cases of trisomy 21 result from maternal nondisjunction.
False
Some cases are caused by chromosome translocations
What is the recommended follow-up for hypothyroidism in children with Down syndrome?
Thyroid hormone levels should be measured annually starting at one year of age
Confirm normal newborn screening first
What types of hearing loss are seen in children with Down syndrome?
Sensorineural and conductive hearing loss
Routine hearing tests are recommended at birth and every 6 months until 2 years of age.
What is a common condition in persons with Down syndrome?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Referral to a sleep disorder clinic or pulmonologist is recommended before 4 years of age.
What is an important component of routine care for infants and children with Down syndrome?
Referral to preschool programs for developmental disabilities intervention