Disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Disease - Essay Example r of the chromosomes from either parent, a genetic malfunction can occur resulting in the development of an extra genetic material in chromosome number 21. Additional genetic material on chromosome 21, which is responsible for the features of the Down syndrome, can result from three primary genetic variations; trisomy 21, this is when a child is born with three copies of chromosome 21 in all the cells instead of the usual 2 copies. Mosaic Down syndrome, where the child is born with some cells having an extra copy of chromosome 21. Mosaic down syndrome is caused abnormal cell division after fertilization. Translocation Down syndrome occurs when part of chromosome 21 is attached (translocate) onto another chromosome, prior to or at conception (Sherman, 2007). Children born with Down syndrome often have intellectual and physical disabilities. At adult age, a person with Down syndrome present with an IQ equivalent of a nine-year-old. Often, people with Down syndrome presents with stunted growth, webbed neck, low muscle tone, narrow roof of the mouth and flat head. Additionally, they present with abnormal outer, large tongue, flattened nose as well as separation of the first and the second toes (Porth,