Atypical Sex Chromo Patterns

Question 1

Klinefelter’s Syndrome - XXY

Answer 1

1) About 1 in 600 males have Klinefelter’s syndrome.
2) Individuals who have this condition are biological males with male anatomy but have an additional X chromosome.
3) 10% of cases are identified prenatally but up to 66% may not be aware of it. Diagnosis often comes about accidentally via a medical examination for some unrelated condition.

Question 2

XXY - Physical Characteristics

Answer 2

Some physical effects of XXY chromosome structure are:
• Reduced body hair compared to a typical male.
• Some breast development at puberty (gynaecomastia).
• Underdeveloped genitals.
• 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 often 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.
• Problems with what are called executive functions, such as problem-solving.

Question 4

Turner’s Syndrome - XO

Answer 4

1) 1 in 5000 females have Turner’s syndrome.
2) Caused by an absence of one of the two X chromosomes leading to 45 rather than 46 chromosomes.

Question 5

XO - Physical Characteristics

Answer 5

Individuals with Turner’s syndrome have the following physical characteristics:
• No menstrual cycle as their ovaries fail to develop, leaving them sterile.
• A broad ‘shield’ chest and no developing of breasts al puberty.
• Characteristic 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 indud
• Higher-than-average reading ability.
• Lower-than-average 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. For example, Turner’s syndrome is associated with higher verbal ability.
2) It might be logically inferred that 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.