Atypical sex chromosome patterns

• Klinefelter’s syndrome

  Klinefelter’s syndrome is a chromosomal disorder affecting 1 in 1000 males. These males have an extra X chromosome (XXY pattern).
• Physical characteristics of Klinefelter’s syndrome include:

  • Long arms and legs

  • Small testes

  • Breast development

  • Lack of facial hair
• Psychological characteristics of Klinefelter’s syndrome include:

  • Poorly developed language skills that results in problems with

  reading and writing. An increased tendency to get upset easily.

  • A shy and passive temperament.

  • A lack of interest in sexual activity.

  • Problems with executive functions such as problem solving and

  memory.
• Turner’s syndrome

  Turner’s syndrome is a chromosomal disorder affecting 1 in 5000 females. These females are missing an X chromosome (XO pattern).
• Physical characteristics of Turner’s syndrome include:

  • Short stature

  • Little to no breast development

  • A short and webbed neck

  • No menstrual cycle and therefore unable to reproduce.
• Psychological characteristics of Turner’s syndrome include:

  • Higher than average literacy abilities such as verbal and reading skills.

  • Poor spatial and mathematical skills.

  • Impaired social skills resulting in trouble relating to peers and difficulties ‘fitting in’.
• Evaluation of research into atypical sex chromosome patterns


  -Have told us what role chromosomes play in sex and gender

  -Issues of confounding variables

  -Have told us what role hormones play in sex

  -Suffers from small sample sizes