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Ch. 8 - Chromosome Mutations: Variation in Number and Arrangement
Klug - Concepts of Genetics  12th Edition
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 8, Problem 28

Most cases of Turner syndrome are attributed to nondisjunction of one or more of the sex chromosomes during gametogenesis, from either the male or female parent. However, some females possess a rare form of Turner syndrome in which some of the cells of the body (somatic cells) lack an X chromosome, while other cells have the normal two X chromosomes. Often detected in blood and/or skin cells, such individuals with mosaic Turner syndrome may exhibit relatively mild symptoms. An individual may be specified as 45,X(20)/46,XX(80) if, for example, 20 percent of the cells examined were X monosomic. How might mitotic events cause such mosaicism, and what parameter(s) would likely determine the percentages and distributions of X0 cells?

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1
Understand that mosaic Turner syndrome arises due to errors in cell division, specifically during mitosis, after fertilization.
Recognize that nondisjunction during mitosis can lead to some cells losing an X chromosome, resulting in a 45,X karyotype, while others retain the normal 46,XX karyotype.
Consider that the timing of the nondisjunction event during embryonic development will affect the proportion of 45,X to 46,XX cells. An earlier event will likely result in a higher proportion of 45,X cells.
Acknowledge that the distribution of 45,X cells in different tissues can vary, depending on when and where the nondisjunction event occurred during development.
Realize that the percentage of 45,X cells, such as 20% in this example, is determined by the number of mitotic divisions that occurred after the nondisjunction event and before the cells differentiated into specific tissues.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nondisjunction

Nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division, leading to gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes. In the context of Turner syndrome, nondisjunction can result in the loss of an X chromosome, leading to the 45,X karyotype. This genetic anomaly can occur during meiosis in the formation of eggs or sperm, contributing to the development of Turner syndrome in offspring.
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Mosaicism

Mosaicism refers to the presence of two or more genetically different cell lines within the same individual, resulting from mitotic errors after fertilization. In cases of mosaic Turner syndrome, some cells may have the normal two X chromosomes (46,XX), while others may have only one X chromosome (45,X). This condition can lead to a range of phenotypic expressions, often resulting in milder symptoms compared to individuals with complete Turner syndrome.
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Mitotic Events

Mitotic events are the processes of cell division that result in the replication and distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells. In the context of mosaic Turner syndrome, errors during mitosis can lead to the loss of an X chromosome in some cells, creating a mosaic pattern. The percentages and distributions of X0 cells are influenced by factors such as the timing of the mitotic error and the specific tissues involved, which can vary throughout development.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

A boy with Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) is born to a mother who is phenotypically normal and a father who has the X-linked skin condition called anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The mother's skin is completely normal with no signs of the skin abnormality. In contrast, her son has patches of normal skin and patches of abnormal skin.

Which parent contributed the abnormal gamete?

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Textbook Question

A boy with Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) is born to a mother who is phenotypically normal and a father who has the X-linked skin condition called anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The mother's skin is completely normal with no signs of the skin abnormality. In contrast, her son has patches of normal skin and patches of abnormal skin.

Using the appropriate genetic terminology, describe the meiotic mistake that occurred. Be sure to indicate in which division the mistake occurred.

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Textbook Question

A boy with Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) is born to a mother who is phenotypically normal and a father who has the X-linked skin condition called anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The mother's skin is completely normal with no signs of the skin abnormality. In contrast, her son has patches of normal skin and patches of abnormal skin.

Using the appropriate genetic terminology, explain the son's skin phenotype.

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Textbook Question

A 3-year-old child exhibited some early indication of Turner syndrome, which results from a 45,X chromosome composition. Karyotypic analysis demonstrated two cell types: 46,XX (normal) and 45,X. Propose a mechanism for the origin of this mosaicism.

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Textbook Question

A normal female is discovered with 45 chromosomes, one of which exhibits a Robertsonian translocation containing most of chromosomes 15 and 21. Discuss the possible outcomes in her offspring when her husband contains a normal karyotype.

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