Ask A Scientist©

Biology Archive


Chromosome abnormalities

 
Question:  Advanced Placement Biology students are looking for information on XXX 
chromosome abnormalities and Xyy chromosome abnormalities.  Looking for prevalence, 
causes, treatment, prognosis.  Can anyone give us information?
Betty A Laliberte
Thanks.

Answer:  XYY karyotype individuals are phenotypically normal fertile males.  The 
term syndrome isn't even used (hence "karyotype") because the symptoms are usually 
mild: tallness and acne.  There was a belief that XYY individuals had certain 
criminal tendencies, but there has been NO evidence for this.  -ProfBill
Source: Biology, by Solomon et al., and other college texts.


Back to Biology Ask A Scientist Index
NEWTON Homepage Ask A Question

NEWTON is an electronic community for Science, Math, and Computer Science K-12 Educators.
Argonne National Laboratory, Division of Educational Programs, Harold Myron, Ph.D., Division Director.