What are 'atypical sex chromosome patterns'? (A01)
Any sex chromosome pattern that deviates from the usual **/XY formation and which tends to be associated with a distinct pattern of physical and psychological symptoms
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What is Klinefelter's syndrome?
A syndrome affecting males in which an individual's genotype has an extra X chromosome
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How many people does it affect?
Between 1 in 500 and 1 in 1000 people: 2/3 people are not aware they have it
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What are the physical characteristics? (K)
Reduced body hair, breast development at puberty, a softening/rounding of body contours, long gangly limbs, underdeveloped genitals, problems with coordination. Also more susceptible to health problems commonly found in females
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What are the psychological characteristics? (K)
Poorly developed language skills and reading ability. Tend to be passive, shy, lack interest in sexual activity. Tend to not respond well to stressful situations, exhibit problems with 'executive functions' such as memory
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What is Turner's syndrome?
A chromosomal disorder in which affected women only have one X chromosome, causing developmental abnormalities and infertility. They have 45 chromosomes rather than 46
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How many people does it affect?
1 in 5000 biological females
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What are the physical characteristics? (T)
No menstrual cycle, ovaries fail to develop (so sterile), no breast development, broad 'shield' chest, low set ears, webbed neck, high waist-to-hip ratio, physically immature
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What are the psychological characteristics? (T)
Higher than average reading ability. Performance on spatial, visual memory and mathematical tasks lower than normal. Socially immature, have trouble relating to their peers and experience difficulty in fitting in
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STRENGTH (A03) : contribution to the nature-nurture debate
By comparing people who have these conditions with chromosome typical individuals it becomes possible to see psychological and behavioural differences between the 2 groups.
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What might be logically inferred?
These differences have a biological basis and are a direct result of the abnormal chromosomal structure.
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What does this suggest?
That innate 'nature' influences have a powerful effect on psychology and behaviour
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WEAKNESS (A03) : Environment explanations
The relationship between the chromosomal abnormalities associated with both syndromes and the differences in behaviour seen in these individuals is not casual.
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What influences could it be?
It may be that environmental and social influences are more responsible for behavioural differences seen in these individuals. It is wrong to assume that observed psychological and behavioural differences are due to nature
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STRENGTH (A03) : Practical application
Research: likely to lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of both syndromes and positive outcomes in the future
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What study backs this up? (HERLIHY ET AL. 2011)
Australian study - 87 individuals with Klinefelter's syndrome showed that those who had been identified and treated from a young age had significant benefits compared with those diagnosed in adulthood
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What does this suggest?
Increased awareness of these conditions may have practical application
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What is Klinefelter's syndrome?
Back
A syndrome affecting males in which an individual's genotype has an extra X chromosome
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