Turners Syndrome Essays - Cytogenetics, Syndromes, Chromosomes

Turner's Syndrome A relatively uncommon human sex-chromosome disorder. Males very rarely contract this disease. Its occurrence rate in females is about one per 3,000 live female births. Occurs when a sperm carrying no sex chromosomes fertilizes a normal ovum, resulting in a female that has only one X chromosome, producing a male body type: short, with a broad neck, and usually lacking female internal reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics. The patient is usually sterile and pregnancy is rare. Other signs and symptoms include a low hairline, webbed neck, shield-shaped chest with widely spaced nipples, and usually kidney and heart malformations. The patient may also have immature breasts and be of above-average height. Some are mildly retarded. Despite many efforts, no real causes have been found to be linked to this condition. It appears be a random event that can happen to anyone. There is no reason why a woman with Turner's Syndrome should not lead a full, productive life. It is important though that she get good medical care regularly. Bibliography: Biology Today. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. 1991: Page 217. "Turners Syndrome." Via CD-ROM: Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia: 1996 Edition. "The Turner's Syndrome Society of the United States." Via the Internet: "http://www.turner-syndrome-us.org/".