-Down Syndrome-
-An Informative Essay-
Down Syndrome is the name for babies born with a disorder
related to their chromosomes. It is caused when meiosis occurs
and an error occurs in the cells development. The reason for
this defect is often because the parent is over 40 or for some
other reason their meiosis is not "Up to par."
The actual defect is an extra chromosome is developed during
cell development. The abnormal development results in 47
chromosomes rather than the usual 46 (23 from each parent).
This extra gene causes problems in the child's physical and
mental development. There are an estimated 5000 babies with Down
Syndrome born in America every single year. While the chances of
having a Down Syndrome baby are slim, (1 in 1000) it is still an
issue that to-be parents should discuss and prepare for.
People with Down Syndrome are identified by many physical
characteristics. Some of these are: larger or almond shaped eyes
(sometimes Brushfield spots on the irises), smaller than normal
features, such as smaller ears or a smaller nose, short stubby
fingers, a single palmar crease on their hands, and having
exceptional social intelligence.
Because Down Syndrome is cause by a cell abnormality during
meiosis, it can not really be proven that Down Syndrome is
hereditary. A perfectly healthy mother could have a Down
Syndrome baby even though there was never any sign of the
disorder in her pedigree. There are however, three different
kinds of Down Syndrome. 95% of Down Syndrome babies have Trisomy
21. This is the presence of extra genetic material on the 21st
pair of chromosomes. Around 4% have what is called
Translocation. This is where the extra chromosome 21 decided to
break away and attach itself to another chromosome. The last 1%
is made up of those with Mosaicism. This is where some cells
have Trisomy 21 while others do not.
There is no cure for Down Syndrome. There is also not way to
prevent it. Once faced with the fact you have a Down Syndrome
baby however, the baby will need various kinds of checks and
treatment to help it live. Down Syndrome babies have a very high
rate of congenital heart defects. In fact 30% to 50% have these
defects. An endocardiogram is a way to check babies for any
signs of defect and start the child on treatment. Down Syndrome
babies also require more effort and time in teaching them things
because they learn at a much slower rate.
In the case that I find out I am going to be the father of a
Down Syndrome child, I would keep the child even though it would
be very hard on me and my wife. Even though our child would not
be the next Einstein or even close, a life is a life regardless
of its intelligence and I would do my best to guide my new-born
child through life.
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