Question

Karyotypes can be studied to determine an organism’s chromosomal makeup and to detect genetic defects. Patau syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 13, giving them three copies. Symptoms of Patau syndrome include extra digits, seizures, and cleft palate. Which word would geneticists use to describe the cause of Patau syndrome?
diploidy
homologous
heterozygous
trisomy

Answer 1

Trisomy.

Patau syndrome is caused by trisomy 13 — the presence of three copies of chromosome 13 instead of the normal two.