Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of Down's syndrome in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on Down's syndrome and the causes of the disease. The research also analyzes many aspects through which early detection of the syndrome is possible and enlightens Down syndrome's proportion to resist cancer. Finally the research explores the treatment for the syndrome so that it can be cured effectively.

Table of Contents

Introduction3

The Causes of Down Syndrome3

Early Detection of Down Syndrome4

Down Syndrome: The Secret of Cancer Resistance5

Treatment of Down Syndrome6

Conclusion6

Works Cited8

Down's Syndrome

Introduction

Down syndrome can be categorized as a condition seen in humans, characterized by short stature and a rounded head with obliquely slanted eyes. Affected children may have learning difficulties. It is caused by the presence in all body cells of an extra chromosome 21, due to its non-disjunction at meiosis — a state termed trisomy 21. The syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Haydn Down (1826-96). Down syndrome is rarely seen as having any benefit to children born with the disorder. In addition to significant cognitive difficulties, individuals with Down syndrome commonly suffer from congenital heart defects, thyroid problems, and an array of other diseases.

Down syndrome (also known as Down syndrome) is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 (called trisomy), suggesting that the observed cancer resistance is related to genes residing on chromosome 21; however, identifying which of the 200-plus genes are responsible can be challenging. Nonetheless, Sandra Ryeom of Children's Hospital, Boston, and colleagues report that they have identified a gene that appears to mediate Down syndrome cancer resistance. Their work, published in Nature, not only helps to explain the mysteriously low cancer rates in those with Down syndrome, but also indicates a target for cancer therapies in all humans.

The Causes of Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a disease which is a genetic disorder in which the child has an extra chromosome (Jobling, Babul, Nichols, 89). It has three units of chromosome 21 in place of the normal two. It is still unknown why a baby has this extra chromosome, and how this disturbs and distorts the development of its structure and normal functions. However, it will be one of the gametes (egg or sperm) carrying the chromosomal content in this error (Jobling, Babul, Nichols, 91). It has been said that this anomaly is present in egg rather than sperm, therefore it has been suggested that the pregnancy should be avoided after a certain age (40 to 45 years), as there are greater possibilities of such errors. It has been said that if the woman of age 40 to 45years or older become pregnant then the pregnancy will be considered at high risk (Byrne, Cunningham, Sloper, 105).

The most common type of Down syndrome accounting for 95% of cases is Trisomy 21. In this case, an abnormality in cell separation results in the creation of an additional genetic material which is called as chromosome. The rarer forms of Down syndrome are caused by ...