Question

During a medical investigation, an infant was found to possess an extra chromosome 21. Describe the symptoms the child is likely to develop later in life.

Answer 1

Hint: The presence of an extra chromosome results in a genetic disorder. This is called a trisomy. The specific disorder that is caused due to an extra chromosome 21 was first described by Langdom Down. Physical, mental, and psychomotor development is retarded in such children.

Complete answer:
An infant suffering from Down syndrome, also referred to as trisomy 21, is a genetic condition caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21, in whole or in part.
The symptoms of Down syndrome are as follows:
- The affected person is with a small round head and is short-statured.
- Flat facial properties
- Tongue furrowed and mouth slightly open
- Palm is wide with a characteristic palm crease
- Limited attention span and slow learning capacities
An infant with Down syndrome can be born at an average size, but without the disorder, it will grow more slowly than a child.

Additional information: What develops Down syndrome? Both parents transfer their genes onto their offspring in all cases of reproduction. These genes are transported by chromosomes. Each cell is expected to obtain 23 pairs of chromosomes as the baby's cells grow, for a total of 46 chromosomes. Half of the chromosomes belong to the mother, and a half to the father. One of the chromosomes doesn't differentiate properly in children with Down syndrome. Instead of two, the baby ends up with three copies or an extra partial copy of chromosome 21. As the brain and physical features grow, this extra chromosome causes issues.

Note: A chromosomal disorder marked by an extra chromosome is a trisomy. Instead of 46, an individual with a trisomy has 47 chromosomes. The most prevalent types of trisomy include Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, and Patau syndrome. Many of the disabilities are permanent, and life expectancy can also be reduced. People with Down syndrome, however, will live lives that are stable and satisfying. In addition to cultural and institutional support for people with Down syndrome and their families, recent medical developments offer numerous opportunities to help address the difficulties of this disorder.