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What is the disease with 69 chromosomes?

Published in Genetic Condition 2 mins read

The disease associated with having 69 chromosomes is called triploidy.

Triploidy is a rare and severe chromosomal abnormality where a cell contains 69 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. This extra set of chromosomes leads to significant developmental problems. According to the reference provided, this condition primarily affects fetuses and is usually life-threatening, often resulting in miscarriage or early infant death.

Understanding Triploidy

Here's a closer look at triploidy and its implications:

  • Cause: Triploidy occurs when there is an extra set of chromosomes, typically resulting from the fertilization of an egg by two sperm or a failure during meiosis in either the egg or sperm.
  • Impact on Development: The presence of 69 chromosomes interferes with normal fetal development, leading to a variety of congenital abnormalities.
  • Common Outcomes:
    • Miscarriage: In many cases, pregnancies affected by triploidy end in miscarriage.
    • Early Infant Death: If the pregnancy goes to term, infants with triploidy often die shortly after birth.
  • Associated Abnormalities: Some of the developmental issues caused by triploidy include:
    • Severe growth restriction
    • Heart defects
    • Brain abnormalities
    • Placental problems

Key Points About Triploidy

Here's a summary of why triploidy is a serious condition:

Aspect Details
Chromosomes 69 total instead of 46.
Rarity It is a rare condition.
Life Threatening Often leads to miscarriage or early infant death.
Consequences Causes several congenital growth abnormalities.

It’s important to note that triploidy is not a condition that can be treated, due to its serious nature and impact on development. Current research is focused on early detection and understanding the underlying mechanisms of chromosomal abnormalities.

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