I’m working on a genetics discussion question and need support to help me understand better.
We have 23 pairs of chromosomes that we inherited from our parents – 23 from our Moms and 23 from our Dads. The chromosomes are the physical carrier of all of our genes. The Human Genome Project estimated that we have between 20, 000 to 25, 000 genes [1]. Changes in the structure and the organization of the chromosomes could lead to problems with growth, development, and function of the body’s systems [2]. For instance, having three copies of Chromosome #21 causes Dawn syndrome. In some other instances some structural changes could be more or less silent, without any phenotypic expression. Please, find examples in the literature for either type of phenotypes that are caused by change in the chromosomal structure or number.
1. Understanding Genetics: A New York, Mid-Atlantic Guide for Patients and Health Professionals. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK115558/
2. Can changes in the number of chromosomes affect health and development? https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/mutationsanddisorders/chromosomalconditions
