Fundamentals of Biology

Assignment 2

From
Wershah Abbas
05-171222-062
1-B
Discuss any one non disjunction disorder in detail.
DOWN’S SYNDROME
The disease is also called mongolism because the affected persons show a strong facial
resemblance to the Mongolian race.

CAUSES
It is an autosomal non-disjunction in man in which the 21 st chromosome fails to segregate
resulting in gametes with 24 chromosomes, this gamete fertilizes with a normal gamete so the
new individual will have 47 chromosomes (2n+1).

SYMPTOMS
In this disease, the children are mentally retarded or their mental level I.Q is very low between
20 to 50.

 They have a broad and flat face.

 They are short-sized.
 They have folds of skin on their eyes.
 Their hands are short and long tongues.
 The female affected by Down’s syndrome may be fertile.
 The male affected by Down’s syndrome is infertile.

LIFE SPAN
 17 years and only 8% can survive up to 40 or more.

TREATMENT
There is no particular treatment available for Down syndrome. To help persons with Down
syndrome realize their full potential, there is numerous physical and developmental therapy
available. It is best to start them as soon as possible. Different needs will apply to every
youngster.

 Therapy for physical, occupational, and speech

 Services for specialized education
 Recreational and social activities
 Programs that teach self-care techniques and provide employment training