Genetics What Parents Do Not Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 1228 words ( 4 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 3

Page 1 of 4

With recessive genes (in which both mother and father have to contribute a 'positive' set of the same genes) are designed to work in precisely the same way that hemophilia does: One out of four offspring (on average) will have the condition, two will be carriers, and one will be neither sick nor a carrier.

Klinefelter's syndrome, on the other hand, arises from a mechanical mistake that occurs on the genetic level during the process of the way in which egg and sperm come together to create a genetically whole zygote/fetus/baby. Under normal genetic conditions, an egg brings half of the needed genetic material to an individual. This female contribution is referred to as the X chromosome. Sperm, which also contribute half of an individual's genetic material, can be either X or Y in terms of chromosomal type. An X sperm combines with the X chromosome of an egg to produce a girl; a Y sperm chromosome combines with the X chromosome of an egg to produce a boy (Klinefelter syndrome, 2007).

This process works very smoothly most of the time. However, sometime, when sperm are being produced, something breaks down in the process and instead of a sperm being formed as either an X chromosome sperm or a Y chromosome sperm, the sperm's own chromosome does not divide properly and the sperm has both an X and a Y chromosome. When this happens, a boy is born who has Klinefelter's syndrome, which is the genetic expression or consequence of a boy who has not the usual XY genetic structure of males but a structure of XXY, which can in very general terms be seen as something of a genetic combination of male and female genetic structures (Samango-Sprouse, 2010).

Stuck Writing Your "Genetics What Parents Do Not" Essay?

View All Our Example Genetics What Parents Do Not Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written



This mixture at the genetic level of male and female structures is reflected in the physical condition of males with Klinefelter's syndrome. While they are externally male (that is, they have a penis and testicles) and their general body shape is male (that is, they are relatively tall) they have some physical characteristics that result from the double-X aspect of their genetic material (Simm & Zacharin, 2006). Thus males with Klinefelter's syndrome are likely to have low rates of fertility because the normal functioning of male fertility mechanisms are interfered with by lower rates of male sexual hormones and higher-than-usual levels of female sexual hormones.

Likewise, males with Klinefelter's syndrome may have breast development that in key ways resembles female breasts rather than 'normal' male pectoral development. Men with Klinefelter's syndrome are also likely to have relatively little body hair and to have a "boyish" or "youthful" appearance (Simm & Zacharin, 2006). However, it is also the case that many individuals do not show any evidence (or very little evidence) of their underlying genetic condition. Thus, while this genetic condition occurs in as many as one out of every 500 males, the condition remains relatively unknown (Simm & Zacharin, 2006). Most men with the condition simply live with it, some seeking treatment in the form of testosterone that may increase fertility. But mostly, one suspects, they adjust to a condition that is endurable and that -- because of the genetically mechanical way in which it occurs -- they know that they cannot pass on to their children......

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Genetics What Parents Do Not" (2012, April 17) Retrieved May 14, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/genetics-parents-56275

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Genetics What Parents Do Not" 17 April 2012. Web.14 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/genetics-parents-56275>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Genetics What Parents Do Not", 17 April 2012, Accessed.14 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/genetics-parents-56275
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example