Is Down Syndrom a genetic or chromosomal mutation?!


Question: I am finding it VERY confusing. Two sites i have found have said different things.


Answers: I am finding it VERY confusing. Two sites i have found have said different things.

OMG i just relaised this is you again anna.
you know i answered your other question and then found this again and then relaised it was you.
MR Simpson answered this today anywayz but ill keep my answer here.
dont copy it word for word coz i just pasted my first paragraph in here!

The key difference between chromosomal and a gene mutation is: chromosomal mutations involve missing/added chromosomes or parts of chromosomes, whereas gene mutations involve a permanent change or error in the DNA for one or more genes in particular.
However, since Down Syndrome involves an entire extra chromosome number 21, it is classified as a chromosomal mutation.

Soph

It's a chromosomal disorder because there is an extra chromosome in the person. Chromosome is made from DNA & Proteins

Both. Genetic is a general term covering chromosomes which includes hereditary traits. Chromosomal mutation specifically includes a change in chromosomes as in the addition or absence of certain chromosomes. The extra 21st chromosome causes Down Syndrome.

Down Syndrome is when the genetic code gives a person 47 genes instead of the usual 46. So, it is both genetics and chromosomal.
Inroads such as treatment has been very successful and now, there's hope with the finding of which gene causes this problem. You can find a lot on the web about this.
Go to Web Md.com

A mutation is basically a gene that has an abnormality in relation to its normal configuration. The abnormality can then be passed to successive offspring, thereby producing a marked difference. There are many different types of mutations. The smallest possible genetic mutation is a 'point-mutation'. This occurs in the DNA when the base-pairs combine with the 'wrong' partner. Multiple point-mutations are common and are found to increase substantially by the effect of mutagens. Mutations are, of course, heritable and these can extend to whole or part chromosomal mutations. Because many genes are affected by a chromosomal mutation, these often have drastic ramifications on the offspring.


In short, because Down's Syndrome involves a chromosomal mutation- therefore it is genetic or inherited.

You migh tfind the site below more descriptive and succintly to the point: :

http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/Scie...





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