Unit 2 Reflections

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.