Question

In Klinefelter syndrome, there's an extra X chromosome, making the typical male XY pattern an XXY configuration. This additional X chromosome affects boys, leading to various physical and developmental differences.

Answer 1

Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by males having at least one extra X chromosome, which can lead to physical and developmental differences, and is often compared to Turner syndrome, affecting females with a single X chromosome.

Step-by-step explanation:

Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition that affects males, typically characterized by a XXY chromosome pattern instead of the usual XY. This extra X chromosome can lead to developmental differences and various physical features such as small testes, enlarged breasts, and reduced body hair. In more complex cases of Klinefelter syndrome, individuals may have up to five X chromosomes, with each additional X chromosome undergoing inactivation to manage the excess genetic material, observable as Barr bodies within the cell nucleus. Comparatively, Turner syndrome is another chromosomal disorder represented by an XO genotype, affecting females with characteristic features like short stature, webbed neck, as well as hearing and cardiac impairments.

Genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome are often associated with complications such as sterility and various degrees of physical and intellectual disability due to the errors in sex chromosome number. For example, individuals with triplo-X syndrome, who have three X chromosomes, often experience developmental delays and reduced fertility.