atypical sex chromosome patterns

• what are atypical chromosome patterns?

  any sex chromosome pattern that deviates from usual XX/XY formation which tends to be associated with a distinct pattern of physical and psychological symptoms
• what is Klinefelter's syndrome?

  • affects 1 in 600 biological males
  • have an additional X chromosome in 23rd pair (XXY)
  • physical: some breast development, reduced body hair
  • psychological: lack of interest in sex, poor reading ability
• what is turner's syndrome?

  • affects 1 in 5000 biological females
  • absence of 2nd X chromosome in 23rd pair (X0)
  • physical: no menstrual cycle, no breasts develop
  • psychological: excellent reading ability, poor maths skills
• what is a strength of research into atypical sex chromosome syndromes?

  • contribution to nature-nurture debate
  • by comparing people with these syndromes with individuals who have typical chromosomes its possible to see psychological and behavioural differences, such as finding out individuals with turners syndrome tend to have higher verbal ability and tend to talk more then 'typical' girls. can be assumed that these differences have a biological basis and direct result of abnormal chromosome structure
  • supports the nature debate that biological makeup has powerful effect on gender identity
• what is a limitation of assuming innate factors influence behaviour?

  • relationship between atypical chromo patterns associated with t's & k's & differences in behaviour is not causal. it may be environmental & social influences are responsible for behavioural differences. social immaturity seen in t's syndrome may arise from being treated 'immaturely' by people around them, may react to young appearance of t's syndrome in a way that encourages immature behaviour
  • assumes behavioural differences in people with atypical chromosomes are due to nature when it could be due to environ influences
• what is a strength into atypical chromosome patterns?

  • real world applications to managing & treating symptoms
  • research can lead to earlier & more accurate diagnosis of t's and k's syndromes and more positive outcomes in future . study of 87 individuals with k's syndrome showed those who had been identified and treated at very young age experienced significant benefits in terms of managing syndrome compared with those diagnosed in adulthood
  • increased awareness will lead to helping those who have the sydromes
• what is a limitation of description of klinefelter's syndrome?

  • sampling issue
  • only people with severe symptoms are identified, picture of typical symptoms may be distorted, studies that follow individuals with XXY from birth give ore accurate picture of characteristics - many individuals with k's syndrome do not experience significant cognitive or psychological problems and many are highly successful in personal lives and careers
  • suggests idea of k's syndrome is overexaggerated