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What Is Down's Syndrome?

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    Down's syndrome is a genetic condition that is caused when a problem occurs in the type of cell division that produces sex cells, or gametes. The female gametes are the eggs, the male gametes are the sperm. They are produced in a cell division called meiosis, which creates gametes that have only one set of human chromosomes. They have 23, rather than 23 pairs (46 in total) like all body cells.

    In Down's syndrome the process of moving chromosomes into the daughter cells goes wrong and the gamete ends up with an extra copy of chromosome 21. If this gamete joins to form an embryo, the child that develops will have three copies of chromosome 21.

    Having this extra genetic information causes a range of physical and mental disabilities and a characteristic facial appearance. Children often have a small mouth but a normal sized tongue, making eating and speaking hard. Although they also have reduced resistance to disease and can have heart problems, Down's syndrome children can lead very happy and productive lives.
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    Kath18 

    answered 3 years ago

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