Causes Of Down Syndrome
Most people think that Down Syndrome is just one common disease. They do not realize that there are three different types. It is three different types because there are three different variations that can happen when there is cell division within the 21st chromosome.
The first type of split involving the 21st chromosome is the most common. Instead of having the normal two copies from the mother and father of the 21st chromosome, the person is born with an extra one. This is Trisomy 21.
The second split is very rare among down syndrome patients. It is called Mosaic Down Syndrome. In this, some children have extra cells in the 21st chromosome.
The final split is one that is made when a child is born with an extra 21st chromosome that is also attached to another chromosome within the body.
Down Syndrome is not inherited for the most part. It is just a confusion in the egg, sperm or embryo while the child is in the mother. The only form of the disease that can be passed on is Translocation Downsyndrome. When the father is the carrier the risk is 3%. When it is the mother the risk is 15%.
The first type of split involving the 21st chromosome is the most common. Instead of having the normal two copies from the mother and father of the 21st chromosome, the person is born with an extra one. This is Trisomy 21.
The second split is very rare among down syndrome patients. It is called Mosaic Down Syndrome. In this, some children have extra cells in the 21st chromosome.
The final split is one that is made when a child is born with an extra 21st chromosome that is also attached to another chromosome within the body.
Down Syndrome is not inherited for the most part. It is just a confusion in the egg, sperm or embryo while the child is in the mother. The only form of the disease that can be passed on is Translocation Downsyndrome. When the father is the carrier the risk is 3%. When it is the mother the risk is 15%.