Atypical sex chromosome patterns what it says about gender

• AO1 - Klinefelters


  An atypical sex chromosome pattern means any pattern that is different to the usual XX/XY formation. It tends to be associated with a distinct pattern of physical and psychological characteristics. One example of an atypical chromosome pattern is Klinefelter’s syndrome. It affects between 1 in 500, and individuals with this condition are biological males with an additional X chromosome so their chromosome structure is XXY.
• AO1 - Klinefelters 2

  Around 2/3 of people with the disorder are unaware of it, and diagnosis can come from a medical examination about an unrelated condition. Physical characteristics include reduced body hair compared to a normal male, some breast development at puberty and a ‘softening’ of body features. Psychological characteristics include poorly developed language skills and research abilities – sufferers tend to be passive, shy and may exhibit problems with memory and problem solving.
• AO1 -Turner’s syndrome


  Caused by an absence of one of the two X chromosomes – XO. This means that the affected individuals have 45 chromosomes rather than the usual 46. One example of physical characteristics is that girls with the syndrome do not have a menstrual cycle, their ovaries fail to develop, and they are sterile.
• AO1 -Turner’s syndrome 2


  They do not develop breasts at puberty and have a broad chest. The syndrome is also associated with general immaturity, and adultswith it tend to retain the appearance of pre-pubescent girls. One psychological characteristic is a higher than average reading ability – however, performance on spatial and visual memory is lower than normal.