Question

Write a brief note on Down syndrome. <!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> [Textbook question 4a pg no.193]

Answer 1

Answer:

• Down syndrome is the disorder arising due to chromosomal abnormality.
• This is the first discovered and described the chromosomal disorder in human beings.
• This disorder is characterized by the presence of 47 chromosomes. It is described as the trisomy of the 21st pair.
• Infants with this disorder have one extra chromosome with the 21st pair in every cell of the body. Therefore, they have 47 chromosomes instead of 46.
• Children suffering from Down syndrome are usually mentally retarded and have a short lifespan. Mental retardation is the most prominent characteristic.
• Other symptoms include short height, short wide neck, flat nose, short fingers, scanty hair, single horizontal crease on palm and a life expectancy of about 16-20 years.