Question

Karyotypes can be studied to determine an organism’s chromosomal makeup and to detect genetic defects. Patau syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 13, giving them three copies. Symptoms of Patau syndrome include extra digits, seizures, and cleft palate. Which word would geneticists use to describe the cause of Patau syndrome?

A.) diploidy
B.) homologous
C.) heterozygous
D.) trisomy

Answer 1

D) trisomy

Step-by-step explanation:

Patau syndrome is one of the most known genetic abnormalities, characterized by trisomy on chromosome 13.

Normally, humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, in other words, a total of 46 chromosomes (the father's plus the mother's), divided into 23 pairs of 2 chromosomes.

A trisomy phenomenon occurs when an individual has 3 chromosomes in a given group. In the case of Patau syndrome, the affected group is 13.

Patau's syndrome usually originates from female gametes and occurs by non-disjunction of chromosomes during anaphase 1 (separation of homologous chromosomes), giving rise to gametes with 24 chromotides instead of 23.

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is -

D.) trisomy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patau syndrome can be described as a genetic disorder that is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome number 13.

In other words, when a person has three copies of chromosome 13 instead of normal two copies, this disorder is developed.

It occurs due to abnormal cell division during reproduction. As there are three copies of chromosome 13, therefore it is also called Trisomy 13.

Thus, option D) is the right answer.