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Most commonly it is caused by "non-disjunction".

The cells in the body usually have two of each chromosome (one from each parent). The sperm and egg each have only one of each chromosome so when they are formed the pairs of chromosomes line up next to each other and then normally one of each set is sent to each of the daugher cells. Occasionally, the two will stick together and both copies will go to the same cell (and the other cell will have no copy of that chromosome).

When a sperm or egg (usually the egg) with two copies of chromosome 21 combine with a sperm or egg with one copy the resulting cell has three copies - or trisomy 21.

There are, less common, ways it can happen.

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What is An example of a genetic disorder that is both genetic and congenital?

An example of a genetic disorder that is both genetic and congenital is Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21. It is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, which occurs at conception. This condition is present at birth and is associated with various physical and developmental challenges. Other examples include cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease, which also arise from genetic mutations and manifest at birth.


What is it called when an individual has three copies of a chromosome?

The presence of three copies of a chromosome is known as a trisomy. An example would be Trisomy 21, also known as Down Syndrome.


What is Trisomy?

A trisomy is a condition in which a person has three copies of a chromosome instead of the usual two copies. Trisomy 9 refers to three copies of chromosome 9. A person can have full trisomy 9 (three copies in every cell) or mosaic trisomy 9 (three copies in some cells but not all).


Is bipolar disease known to have a genetic component?

Yes, bipolar disorder is known to have a genetic component. Research shows that individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. However, genetics is just one factor that contributes to the development of bipolar disorder, and environmental factors also play a role.


What is a common autosomal trisomy?

Something tells me that trisomy 21 is not really the most common, but it is the common among babies that actually live. Other trisomies common among live births are those of the 13th and 18th chromosome. Trisomy 16 is the most common known disorder of miscarried fetuses. Trisomy is caused by nondisjunction of a pair of chromosomes during meiosis or mitosis. What causes nondisjunction? If we could figure that out, we might be able put trisomies in the past.

Related Questions

What is it called when an individual has three copies of a chromosome?

The presence of three copies of a chromosome is known as a trisomy. An example would be Trisomy 21, also known as Down Syndrome.


Can Down syndrome be prevented?

Downs Syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a chromosomal disorder and, as such, cannot be avoided nor prevented.


What is Trisomy?

A trisomy is a condition in which a person has three copies of a chromosome instead of the usual two copies. Trisomy 9 refers to three copies of chromosome 9. A person can have full trisomy 9 (three copies in every cell) or mosaic trisomy 9 (three copies in some cells but not all).


What trisomy causes Down syndrome?

Well, honey, Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, also known as trisomy 21. It's like having a bonus chromosome that messes with the genetic party. So, to put it simply, trisomy 21 is the culprit behind Down syndrome.


Is bipolar disease known to have a genetic component?

Yes, bipolar disorder is known to have a genetic component. Research shows that individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. However, genetics is just one factor that contributes to the development of bipolar disorder, and environmental factors also play a role.


What is a common autosomal trisomy?

Something tells me that trisomy 21 is not really the most common, but it is the common among babies that actually live. Other trisomies common among live births are those of the 13th and 18th chromosome. Trisomy 16 is the most common known disorder of miscarried fetuses. Trisomy is caused by nondisjunction of a pair of chromosomes during meiosis or mitosis. What causes nondisjunction? If we could figure that out, we might be able put trisomies in the past.


What is a genetic disorder that can be detected by karyotyping?

Down's syndrome is one that can be detected, in this disorder the person has one extra chromosome. This chromosome failed to separate during cell divisoin which resulted in a gamete having 24 chromosomes instead of 23. A person with downs syndrome has 47 chromosomes which can be observed by karyotyping.Another in turner's syndrom, in only occurs on the X chromosome and it results in a female missing or having an abnormal X chromosome. In karyotyping you will see that the female only has one X chromosome. It can not occur in males because they only have one X chromosome and a Y chromosome can not survive by it self.Klinefelter's Syndrome is when a male has an extra X chromosome. So he will have XXY (47 chromosomes) this is also detected in karyotyping.Karyotyping is a test to examine chromosomes in a sample of cells, which can help identify genetic problems. They can also be used to study chromosomal aberrations, cellular function, and gather information past evolutionary events.


Trisomy-21 results from a mutation to the chromosomes in?

Trisomy-21, also known as Down syndrome, results from an extra copy of chromosome 21. Instead of the usual two copies, individuals with Down syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material can lead to various physical and cognitive differences.


Is Hunter Syndrome and Huntington's Chorea the same?

No, Hunter Syndrome (also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis type II) is a rare genetic disorder that affects metabolism. It is caused by the lack of an enzyme in the body. On the other hand, Huntington's chorea (also known as Huntington's disease) is a different genetic disorder that affects the brain, leading to movement, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. While both are genetic disorders, they affect different systems in the body.


What is cased by an extra copy of chromosome 21?

Also referred to as trisomy 21. Down Syndrome.


What is the scientific name for Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is also known as Trisomy 21.


Is being Deaf a genetic disorder?

Yes it is! but it also can be developed on his own!