Question
What is the cause of chromosomal abnormalities in Down Syndrome?
Answer
Down Syndrome, also referred to as congenital idiocy, is a genetic disorder usually caused by trisomy 21 during the mother’s pregnancy. In this situation, an extra copy of chromosome 21 is present in the fetus’s body, leading to a series of growth and developmental abnormalities. Exposure to harmful substances such as radiation, certain medications, or environmental toxins during pregnancy may increase the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Additionally, age is an important factor; as the mother’s age increases, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities also increases.