Final answer:
Prader-Willi Syndrome has a distinctive phenotype that includes developmental delays, characteristic facial features, and hypothalamic abnormalities, leading to symptoms like excessive hunger and cognitive deficits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenotype associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is distinct and includes several developmental delays, unique facial features, and other physical abnormalities. From birth, babies may show symptoms like lack of muscle tone and poor feeding behaviors due to poor sucking reflex. As children with PWS age, they often experience an insatiable appetite leading to obesity, as well as cognitive deficits and emotional challenges.
In addition to these symptoms, there is evidence pointing to hypothalamic abnormalities, which help explain some of the regulatory issues associated with hunger and sexual development in PWS. Although there is no cure, growth hormones and psychoactive medications have been used to improve quality of life for individuals with PWS.