Can you explain how an individual inherets Down's Syndrome and the characteristic of the disease?

Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality characterized by the presence of an extra copy of genetic material on the 21st chromosome, either in whole (trisomy 21) or part (such as due to translocations). The effects of the extra copy vary greatly among individuals, depending on the extent of the extra copy, genetic background, environmental factors, and random chance. Down syndrome occurs in all human populations, and analogous effects have been found in other species such as chimpanzees and mice. Recently, researchers have created transgenic mice with most of human chromosome 21 (in addition to the normal mouse chromosomes). The extra chromosomal material can come about in several distinct ways. A normal human karyotype is designated as 46,XX or 46,XY, indicating 46 chromosomes with an XX arrangement for females and 46 chromosomes with an XY arrangement for males.

Previous answerer is right. May I also add that Down syndrome is not heritable, but is the result of an extra copy of gene(s) found in chromosome 21. This is usually due to nondisjunction or non separation of chromosome 21 during meiosis, resulting in non equal distribution of chromosome in cells. Viable Zygotes with one extra chromosome 21 end up with the syndrome. Characteristics and extent of expression of the trait would vary from case to case, usually including the small chinky eyes, mental retardation, infertility, Simian crease on the palms of the hand, etc.... People with this condition very rarely live a full life span because of the many disorders that come with it.

hi...dulce gave you the correct info on how down syndrome happens...here are some of the characteristics: I just want you to remember though that not all of these characteristics are present in all people with down syndrome with each person it varies...they are each their own individual and are as different as you and I would be (btw...it is not "down's syndrome'' the correct term is Down Syndrome)

slanted upturned eyes, ears may be set lower on the head and turned out slightly, larger than usual tongue, shallow pallet, brushfield spots (white spots in the iris and it makes the eyes look like they sparkle), thicker fungal fold (back of the neck) simean crease (a solid unbroken line on the palm of the hands), shorter in stature, hands and fingers are "chubbier" for lack of a better word and the pinkie on each hand may be slightly bent, congenital heart defects are sometimes present such as VSD, av-canal, intestinal blockages are sometimes there as well, sandal toe (lg. gap between the big toe and the second toe) flat feet, lower IQ usually 70 or lower causing developmental delays. There are no specific classifications for how mild or severe a person is...it varies from person to person. also they have not found any links to the number of characteristics a person may exhibit and the severity of their developmental delay. hoped this helped! I just wanted to add that many people do live well into their 50's because of the advancement of medical treatment unlike 20-30 yrs ago

Downs syndrome (trisomy 21) occurs when your body replicates chromosome 21 three times over instead of 2. (remember we have 2 copies of each chromosome within each cell)

The small error, has a major impact.

It's a random thing in nearly every case. The parents don't have it and they don't carry it in their genes. It's a mistake when the cells divide to create an egg or a sperm. Anybody can have a kid with Down syndrome.

i admire "help"'s answer it became very thorough. one element i did no longer see became that the reason being a specif genetic distinction - having an further chromosome. each and all and sundry with Down's is diverse. in terms of psychological or educational progression and success they might circulate from the uncommon case of being heavily handicapped and having difficulty with problem-unfastened selfcare skills all a thank you to scoring nicely on intelligence checks and being waiting to end highschool and help themself as an grownup. little ones with Down's could be evaluated and recieveing particular intervention from an early age (before straightforward college) The pediatrician dcan advise the place to seek for early intervention amenities which will incorporate therapists and experts coming to the new child's residing house to paintings with the new child and practice the mothers and dads. Early intervention and stimunlation of toddlers and preschoolers could have a real beneficial effect lifelong! while in school interior the U.S. the new child could have a particular discovering plan designed via mothers and dads and experts (IEP) which would be observed via the college and altered as mandatory by way of the years. this way the college room instructor has particular information and aims to paintings with and gets to be conscious of the new child immediately. reckoning on their specifis desires, youngsters with downs may be in a "frequent" lecture room all or many of the time, or located with a particularly knowledgeable instructor in a smaller type with extra one - on - one interest obtainable. i do no longer opt to offend absolutely everyone with overgeneralizations yet right here is from my own journey: the individuals i be conscious of with Down's all have an extremely stubbornly beneficial attitude approximately existence and a exhilaration and harmless experience of relaxing it is contageous. they are very "right down to earth" and puzzled if different little ones are hectic of them because of the fact they seem a splash diverse or communicate humorous. The extra people get to be conscious of them and settle for them as useful contributors of our society, the happier we will all be!

When you are born. You have x and y chromosomes. And when you have....say xxxy and things like that, you end up with some sort of problems at birth. such as downs syndrome. Go to the guys website. it will tell you more. Dont trust my answer.

http://www.downsyn.com/whatisds.php

should tell you what you need