Answer to Question #167711 in Genetics for Tatyana Antonelli

Question

I have a biology assignment involving questions about a pregnant female patient, 45, who has had an amniocentesis performed, and a fetal karyotype is given to help discern chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. It is clear that the fetus has an extra chromosome 21, indicating Down's Syndrome...but the X and Y chromosomes also look as though they're practically "reversed", in the sense that the X is way too short and the Y is way too long. Is this typical of individuals with down's syndrome or does this also indicate some other abnormalities, perhaps with the sex organs or something else? So why has this happened to the X and Y chromosomes and what does (or could) it indicate?

Answer 1

It also indicates some other abnormalities like Turner Syndrome, a genetic abnormality resulting in a missing or incomplete X chromosome, can qualify for Social Security disability benefits if they experience symptoms that substantially interfere with their daily lives.