Causes and Effects of Down Syndrome

Humans are more like the X-Men then they have ever dreamed possible. Studies show that each and every single human in our species have more than two hundred mutations weaved in and out of our DNA. A genetic mutation is a perpetual change in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. These mutations can occur in two different ways; they can be acquired during one’s lifetime or they can be inherited from one’s biological parents. Some mutations are absolutely harmless; these are the mutations that take up most of the typical human’s body. Nevertheless, there are also some genetic mutations that are harmful to the body. For example, one in every six hundred and ninety-one American babies are affected by Down Syndrome, a form of a genetic mutation. It is estimated that just under six million people worldwide live with the condition today. Down Syndrome is defined as a congenital disorder arising from a chromosome defect, causing intellectual impairment as well as physical abnormalities. In simpler words, Down Syndrome causes humans to have differences in their physical appearances as well as a disability with their mental/learning abilities. This noxious genetic mutation has had different causes and effects for separate people.

Down Syndrome results when one of the three types of abnormal cell divisions involving chromosome 21 occur. Roger W. Harms, a medical doctor, states, “Human cells normally contain twenty-three pairs of chromosomes. One pair comes from your father and one pair comes from your mother.” In each pair, one chromosome comes from the father, and one comes from the mother. One of the three genetic variations that can cause Down Syndrome is Trisomy 21. This version of Down Syndrome occurs more than 90% of the time. It re...

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...egative impact on the family, the favorable effect it has outweighs the harmful influence. The family may have a lot of stress and anxiety at first, but in the end, the child assists each person in his/her family to make themselves a better person. Down Syndrome has a perilous effect on the child, however. It puts the child in a vulnerable place; the child would have many physical disadvantages (developmental delays, etc.) as well as mental health issues (fatigue, mental retardation, etc.). Children with Down Syndrome are portrayed to be unlucky and although some are, most turn out to be a beautiful addition to the world. In some cases, the treacherous effects of the disorder can put children at more of a disadvantage than they need to be. Thus, gaining knowledge on the origins of Down Syndrome can help people to find an exquisite flower within the stained snow.