Changes

Jump to navigation Jump to search
1,161 bytes added ,  21:49, June 2, 2007
New page: '''Fragile X syndrome''' is the second most frequent genetic cause of mental retardation, after Down sydrome. The disorder is one of a group of diseases that results from an unusual ki...
'''Fragile X syndrome''' is the second most frequent genetic cause of mental retardation, after [[Down sydrome]]. The disorder is one of a group of diseases that results from an unusual kind of mutation: an expansion of a repeating sequence of three letters of the DNA code, called a [[triplet repeat]] or [[trinucleotide repeat]].

In Fragile X, the repeating triplet is CGG, cytosine-guanine-guanine, in a gene called FMR1 on the X chromosome. There are ordinarily fewer than 55 copies of the repeat. When the number of repeats exceeds 200, the expansion is called a "full mutation" and expression of the FMR1 gene is shut off, causing the fragile X syndrome.

Individuals who carry between 55 and 200 copies of the repeat, called a "premutation", may transmit a gene with a full mutation (>200 repeats) to their children, but are generally not affected by the full-blown fragile X syndrome themselves.

Carriers of premutations may have difficulties with mild cognitive or behavioral problems, premature ovarian failure in female carriers,and an adult-onset neurological disorder causing tremor and difficulties with balance and gait.

[[Category:Genetics]]
Block, SkipCaptcha, nsAm_Govt_101RO, nsAm_Govt_101RW, nsAm_Govt_101_ta, nsTeam2RO, nsTeam2RW, nsTeam2_talkRO, nsTeam2_talkRW
5,655

edits

Navigation menu