1. Down Syndrome
By: DeAna G

2. What is the Genetic cause of Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is named after John Langdon Down, who was the first to discover this disorder. The condition comes from having one extra chromosome. An error in cell division during the development of a fetus. The extra chromosome is also referred to as Trisomy 21.

3. Is it more common in certain ethnic groups?
Male vs. Female
Down Syndrome is common in both males and females but males get it more. Out of 203 children borne 130 males got down syndrome and only 28 females.
Is it more common in certain ethnic groups?
It happens equally to all ethnic groups and something similar has been noted in chimpanzees and mice.

4. SEX vs. AUTOSOMAL, DOMINANT vs. RECESSIVE
How often does Down Syndrome occur?
In 1998 there were 65 babies born with Down syndrome in British Columbia. The overall incidence is 1 in 800 births. The risk is higher with increasing maternal age.
SEX vs. AUTOSOMAL, DOMINANT vs. RECESSIVE
Down syndrome is Autosomal and Recessive.

5. What are the symptoms of down syndrome?
Decreased muscle tone at birth
Excessive skin at the nape of the neck
Flattened nose
Separated sutures (joints between the bones of the skull)
Single crease in the palm of the hand
Small ears
Small mouth
Upward slanting eyes
Wide, short hands with short fingers
White spots on the colored part of the eye (Brushfield spots)
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6. Can down syndrome be detected before birth?
Yes babies can be checked for down syndrome before birth by using a test called Amniocentesis. This test must be done within the 12th to the 18th week of pregnancy, and what this test does is looks at your chromosomes to see if there is any chromosomal abnormalities.