A phenotypically normal boy has 45 chromosomes, but his sister, who has Down syndrome, has 46. Suggest an explanation that explains both children.

Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305251052
Author:Michael Cummings
Publisher:Michael Cummings
Chapter6: Cytogenetics: Karyotypes And Chromosome Aberrations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 16QP: Assume that a meiotic-nondisjunction event causes trisomy 8 in a newborn. If two of the three copies...
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A phenotypically normal boy has 45 chromosomes, but his sister, who has Down syndrome, has 46. Suggest an explanation that explains both children.

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Introduction:
  • Genetic information is stored in chromosomes, which are long, coiled strands of DNA. Most human cells contain 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs.
  • Each person inherits 23 chromosomes from each parent for a total of 46 chromosomes because each parent contributes one chromosome from each pair.
  • Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
  • People with Down syndrome have distinct physical characteristics, intellectual disabilities, and a higher risk of certain health problems.
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