and father at the time of conception. The genes are made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The arrangement of chemicals in the DNA strand is different for every gene (Cunningham, 1996). The genes are grouped together in long thin, thread like strands called chromosomes. Therefore, it is these chromosomes that carry the essential information, which will determine how we look, how healthy we are and whether there will be congenital defects when we are born.
             This study will look at the effects of Downs Syndrome by drawing upon a number of resources of information such as the Internet, pamphlets, books and an actual case study of a child who suffers with the condition.
             Downs Syndrome occurs when a child is born with the extra chromosome 21 materials in their cell structure.
             Downs Syndrome is also known as 'Trisomy 21'. Trisomy means that there are 3 (tri) copies of chromosome (somy) 21 (see figure, 1).
             There are also three types of Downs Syndrome
             1) Regular Trisomy 21- also known as Free or Standard Trisomy 21. In which all the cells carry the extra chromosome 21. 94% of people, who suffer from Downs Syndrome, suffer from this type.
             2) Translocation – is where the extra chromosome 21 materials are attached to another chromosome. And only 4% of sufferers have this type of the condition (see figure, 2).
             3) Mosaic – is where only some of the cells have an extra chromosome 21. This type is very rare and that only 2% of sufferers will have this type of the condition (Cunningham, 1996).
             It is thought that chromosome 21 only contains 1% of the bodies' genes. Therefor, Downs Syndrome arises from a change in gene quantity rather than a quality of genes.
             It is not known why this condition occurs; it is for this reason that it is so different from other genetic disorders such as Cystic Fibrosis and Sickle Cell Anaemia. Which, the inheritance of these diseases or disorders, can be traced back through fa...