What is down syndrome?

Question

Also,

1. What causes it?
2. What is another name for Down's Syndrome?

Answer 1

Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy-21, is a genetic condition in which there are 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, as opposed to the normal 2 copies. A person with Down syndrome has 47 chromosomes in total instead of 46.

No one knows the exact cause. It is a random genetic anomaly that can occur in any pregnancy, regardless of race or age. Although it is believed that the risk of Down syndrome increases with advanced maternal age, more children with DS are born to younger women simply because younger women have more children.

People with Down syndrome have developmental delays to varying degrees. They may have low muscle tone which may affect the time it takes to learn to walk, or even eat properly. Some babies with DS are born with heart defects (as my son was) but that is almost always repaired successfully with surgery. Other medical conditions may exist as well including duodenal atresia.

The thing to remember about Down syndrome is that a person who has it may be delayed, but they can and do learn to achieve most anything anyone else does. They go to school, form relationships, get jobs, some drive, some marry, some are talented artists or musicians, etc.

Having a child with DS has been a truly rewarding experience. I have learned so much from him and he is only 2 1/2. Although the initial diagnosis seems scary...it gets better and there is no greater love.

Answer 2

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder, also known as trisomy 21. It is caused by an extra chromosome, a 21st, during the building of a person.

It creates characteristics of mental disability, slight physical disability. A person with down syndrome will usually be shorter and have slanty eyes.

Each living thing is made up of chromosomes, each hs a different amout, humans have 20.

Answer 3

Down syndrome or trisomy 21 is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome

Answer 4

Down's Syndrome, also known as trisomy 21 and at one time referred to as being "Mongoloid" (no longer considered an acceptable name), is caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. This fault or flaw is associated with the formation of the gametes (eggs or sperm) and a problem occurring during the cell division when the chromosome number is being reduced from diploid (paired chromosomes) to haploid (single set of chromosomes).

The incidence of Down's Syndrome increases as maternal age increases, and may be at least in part due to aging of the ovaries. There is also a correlation with increased paternal age, but not such a high correlation as with maternal age.

The name "Mongoloid" came from the appearance of children born with the syndrome. Their facial features had a marked "Mongolian" appearance. Mongoloid is no considered to be a pejorative (degrading) term and is no longer used.

Answer 5

It is a birth defect. It's from an extra chromosome on the DNA chain.They use to call it Mongoloid-ism. The reason for this name is because people born with this disorder look like the people of Mongolia.