Down's Syndrome

Downs’ syndrome is a condition where there is an extra copy of chromosome number 21 (so there are three - a situation called trisomy). This is usually the result of failure of the two chromosomes to separate properly during the formation of the egg or sperm, though rarely it may be due to the chromosome being stuck to another one-called a balanced translocation. Down's syndrome may cause learning difficulties together with characteristic facial features. The chance of having a child with down's syndrome increases with maternal age at conception. It can be diagnosed pre-natally (see pregnancy in the adult female section).
 
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