Are chromosomal abnormalities, such as monosomy or trisomy, confined only to certain parts of the body?

Question

Some examples of the abnormalities I'm talking about result in Down's Syndrome (extra chromosome 21), Turner's Syndrome (only one X chromosome), Klinefelter's syndrome (an extra X chromosome), and Monosomy 7 (absent chromosome 7).

Answer 1

Chromosomal abnormalities are not confined to certain parts, as chromosomes are (basically) the same in every cell in the body (there are minor mutations). However, they may only affect certain parts of the body. (If no genes affecting a particular part of the body are on the chromosome in question, there's no reason for that part to be affected).

Answer 2

Chromosomes are found in all cells of the body that contain a nucleus. Since all our cells come from an original progenitor cell that carried the chromosomal aberration, all cells will contain the abnormality. However, not all cells function in the same way. Thus the abnormalities only manifest themselves in those areas that require expression of the genes found in the damaged chromosomes.