Unit 2 Reflections
A topic that I felt engaged by in unit two was chromosomal
alterations, specifically Down syndrome or Trisomy 21. I have recently been
following two family blogs who have young children with Down syndrome. I enjoy
reading both of these blogs and wanted to understand more what Down syndrome is
and how it affects individuals. I think sometimes as a society in general we
are afraid of people that are different from us and the unknown. Through these
blogs I have learned these children are just like mine with the exception of
having some medical issues that can be quite serious, however they are just
like other children playing, enjoying life, and just being children.
Down syndrome or Trisomy 21 is caused by inheriting an extra
copy of the twenty first chromosome.
Some interesting information I learned while doing my research is that
Down syndrome is the most common chromosome abnormality in humans. The CDC
estimates that yearly one in 691 births results in a baby with Down syndrome, I
had no idea how prevalent Down syndrome is. Some characteristics of Down
syndrome are developmental delays that can be mild or very profound and
distinct physical features such as a flat facial profile, an upward slant to
their eyes, small ears and a protruding tongue.
Some risk factors for Down syndrome include advancing maternal age,
having had a child with Down syndrome or parents who are carriers of the
genetic translocation for Down syndrome. I was aware that advanced maternal age
was a risk factor but didn’t know about the other potential causes.
Photo credit: http://kgiegler.wordpress.com/2011/03/06/downs-syndrome-101/
Retrieved March 26, 2013
Photo credit: schoolworkhelper.net/down-syndrome-causes-symptoms-treatment Retrieved March 26, 2013
The outlook for individuals with Down syndrome has increased
drastically in recent years. This is due in part to better medical treatment
and social inclusion. Life expectancy is still reduced compared to the normal
population. An individual with Down syndrome could live to age fifty and beyond
depending on the severity of their health problems. From the two blogs I have
read I understand there are many challenges that come with raising children
with Down syndrome but also immeasurable joy. Down syndrome is not something
that needs to be feared, it can be managed and the individuals can lead
fulfilling lives.
Sources
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome
Retrieved March 26, 2013
Down Syndrome, Sietske N Heyn PhD, http://www.medicinenet.com/down_syndrome/article.htm
Retrieved March 26, 2013
About Down Syndrome, Kids Health http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/down_syndrome.html Retrieved March 26, 2013
Part 2. Thinking
about the course
1. The
assignment for unit 2 that I am most proud of is my unit paper. I really felt
engaged by the topic I chose and enjoyed learning more about Down syndrome. I
had a personal interest in it which seems to add to the enjoyment of learning
about a subject.
2. I
feel like I now have a pretty good understanding of mitosis and meiosis. While
studying for my exam it seemed to come together better for me. Some of the
phases etc are still confusing but I think I have the basics down.
3. During
this unit I made flashcards to study the terms and spent a good amount of time
on the end of the chapter reviews. Those reviews are very thorough and seem to
help my understanding and help me to know where to focus my time.
4. I
felt most connected with the course during this unit while learning about the
inheritance of traits and some of the disorders. I liked learning about how we
as individuals get our phenotypes; it’s not something I have put much thought
into prior to this Biology class. I also like reading about the background of
the disorders, you hear about people who have them but I haven’t spent much
time understanding them. While I enjoyed
learning about the traits I think I felt disconnected while learning the way
the traits come to be, using punnett squares and trying to figure out how and
why things cross was confusing for me.
5. I
think just like in Unit 1 that you offer us plenty of different opportunities
to learn and review the material. I had some personal things change during this
unit with my work schedule etc that provided extra challenges for me and I feel
like I didn’t spend as much time on the material as I could have.
