Brenton Whiting

Klinefelter syndromeis a genetic disorder in which there is at least one extra X chromosome in a human male karyotype. This yields a total of 47 chromosomes rather than the 46 found in genetically normal humans. This karyotype occurs about every 1 in 750 male births, but most do not show symptoms. This is the second most common genetic disorder that results from extra chromosomes. The primary effects of Klinefelter are diminished sexual hormone production, and reduced fertility. Those with this condition tend to grow taller, have slightly wider hips, and might have increased breast tissue. Though these males are more likely to have health problems that usually occur more frequently in women, like autoimmune disorders or osteoporosis, they are also less frequently plagued by recessive diseases carried on the X chromosome. Klinefelters is usually identified during puberty, and is characterized by a lack of secondary sexual characters.