How Genetics Influence Down Syndrome
PSY 104
Professor Vincent
July 7, 2013

How Genetics Influence Down Syndrome
Genetics play such an vital role in our development. Every individual carries genes from their mother and their father. Characteristics such as height, eye color, if we have curly or straight hair are all determined through the our genes and specifically our chromosomes. Many times, parents inadvertently pass genes on to their children through their DNA that may contribute to developmental disorders such as Down Syndrome. In this paper, I will explain the role of genetics and how it plays a part in development. I will also explain how the genes of two parents can influence the traits and characteristics of their offspring.
Every person has genes and chromosomes located in every cell of their body. Those genes and chromosomes are what make us unique and different. Almost all of a person's traits, from their eye color to what type of hair they will have are coded in their genes (Beck, 2000). Genes and chromosomes come in pairs, with one member of each pair coming at conception from the father and the other from the mother. Normally, at the time of conception a baby inherits genetic information from its parents in the form of 46 chromosomes: 23 from the mother and 23 from the father (Skallerup, 2008). When a child has an extra chromosome for a total of 47 chromosomes instead of 46, they are believed to have Down Syndrome.
The genetic material children carry play an essential part in determining a child's characteristics and traits. Children that have an extra chromosome will affect that child's life in profound ways. Children with Down Syndrome have an appearance that will be slightly different from other children, they may have some unique medical problems, and they will most likely have some degree of intellectual disability. Down syndrome symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Children with Down syndrome have a widely recognized appearance. Some physical characteristics include upward slanting eyes, wide short hands with short fingers, flattened nose and small ears and mouth (Skallerup, 2008). Physical development is often slower than normal. Children may also have delayed mental and social development. There is an increased rate of infertility with people that have Down Syndrome therefore, it would be rare to procreate and have children in the future (Chicoine, 2010).
Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from age 25 in 1983 to age 60 (Chicoine, 2010). People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many ways. People with Down syndrome date, socialize, form ongoing relationships, and in recent years they are getting married (Chicoine, 2010). Individuals with Down syndrome are now graduating from high school with regular diplomas, participating in post-secondary academic and college experiences and, in some cases, receiving college degrees (Beck, 2000).
Genetics play such a vital role in development. Parents pass on genes to their children through their DNA that may contribute to traits such as eye color or those genes can contribute to having a disorder such as Down Syndrome. Children with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome and because of that, their life will be altered in profound ways. In this paper, I have examined how the genes of two parents can influence the development of their children in various ways.

Reference Page

Beck, M. (2000). Expecting Adam. New York, NY. Berkley Books Publishing Company.

Chicoine, B. (2010). The Guide to Good Health for Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome. New York, NY. Woodbine House Publishing Company.

Gronberg. J. G. (2008). Road Map to Holland. New York, NY. New American Library.

Skallerup, S. J. (2008). Babies with Down Syndrome. New York, NY. Woodbine House Publishing Company.