Atypical sex chromosome patterns

• Klinefelter syndrome -AO1

  - Result of atypical chromosome pattern in males

  - Affects 1 in 750

  - Men will have an extra X chromosome in addition to their normal XY chromosomes - 47 chromosomes

  - Diagnosis often occurs accidentally via a medical examination for an unrelated condition.
• Psychological characteristics of klienfelter syndrome- AO1

  - Poorly developed language skills and reading ability

  - Passive, shy and lack interest in sexual activities

  - Don't respond well in stressful situations

  - Problems with memory and problem solving
• Turners syndrome - AO1

  - 1 - 5000 biological females

  - Caused by the absence of one of the two X chromosomes

  - 45 chromosomes rather than 46
• Physical characteristics of Turners syndrome - AO1

  - Don't have a menstrual cycle

  - Don't develop breasts in puberty - broad shiel chest

  '- Webbed neck'

  - High waist to hip ratio

  - Retain the appearance of pre-pubescent girls
• Psychological characteristics of Turners syndrome - AO1

  - Higher than average reading ability

  - Performances on spatial, visual and mathematical tasks is low

  - Socially immature

  - Have trouble relating to their peers
• Contribution to the nature and nurture event - 😊

  - Atypical sex chromosomes are useful in our understanding to the nature vs nurture debate

  - By comparing individuals who have these conditions with chromosome typical individuals we are able to see whether differences are due to biology or environment

  - e.g - People with turner syndrome tend to have higher verbal ability and talk more than 'typical girls'

  - Can conclude that this is a result of biological difference
• Enviromental explanations - 🙁

  - The chromosome differences and changes in behaviour is not casual

  - Enviromental and social influences may be the cause

  - Social immaturity in girls with turner syndrome may be because they are treated immaturely by those around them

  - Parents, teachers and others may react to the pre-pubescent appearance and encourage immature treatment - may have a direct impact on their performance in school - poor performance in maths, low visual and spatial memory

  - Wrong to assume behaviur is only a result of nature
• Practical application - 😊

  - Continued research into these syndromes may lead to more accurate and earlier diagnosis to allow for a more positive future.

  - Australian study done on 87 individuals with Kleinfelter syndrome showed that those who were treated earlier in life had more significant benefits compared to those diagnosed in adulthood

  - Allows for increased awareness on condition
• Klinefelter's syndrome - chromosomes

  • XXY
  • Extra X chromosome
• Turner's syndrome - chromosomes

  • X0
  • Absence of one X chromosome