2006-10-04 14:51:00 · 6 answers · asked by Rachel C 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
Down syndrome is caused by abnormal cell division in early fetal development. Doctors believe it most often starts in a woman's egg before or at conception. Less often, the error occurs in sperm at conception. It is not known what causes the cells to divide abnormally.
Genes grouped together make up chromosomes. Normally, a child inherits 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent. The abnormal cell division related to Down syndrome produces extra genetic material, usually an extra chromosome. Down syndrome is classified according to the specific way that extra genetic material is produced.
So the answer to your question is YES Down Syndrome is Genetic. I'm not sure that that was what you wanted to know though. Did you want to know if Down Syndrome was inherited or not? In most cases Down Syndrome is NOT hereditary. There is a type of Down Syndrome, rare, that is inherited from the parents. It has to do with translocation or a balanced translocation.
If you want to find out more information regarding Down Syndrome just do a quick search and there is a ton of information out there.
2006-10-05 07:52:33 · answer #1 · answered by Heather 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not genetic. for some reason women over 40 are more likely to have children with down syndrome and then it just randomly happend even to young parents too. No one knows why or what causes it or at least not other point that they can prevent it. But, form all of these special people I have met they are given something special by God..they are the sweetest people, always smiling and seem to be blessed with the ability to make anyone smile.
2006-10-04 15:05:12 · answer #2 · answered by MISS-MARY 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes; it results from a genetic error. The more interesting question, to which I do not know the answer, is whether Down's syndrome people are fertile, and if so whether offspring would show the trait.
2006-10-04 14:57:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has to do with genetics and the passing of genes. For eg. A Queen (cant remember who) had a bunch of kids. Some had the same illness as her, some didn't, this is a result from genetics. The kids who don't express the characteristics of the illness may be carrying the gene with them and pass it on to the next generation. You can use a Punett Square to explain it. Search punett square and try it out.
2006-10-04 14:58:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think all sciencetist would like to know that answer...The same as why do some people live to be over 100, and others don't.
My neighbor was 98 and cut his grass each three days.
He had a brother 106 that lived in Huntsville with his 103 year old wife.
Can you imagine what happend to them...
2006-10-04 15:21:44 · answer #5 · answered by virginiamayoaunt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out discoveryhealth.com you can find info on it There....
2006-10-04 15:15:50 · answer #6 · answered by kitty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋