What Causes Klinefelter Syndrome?

In this article, we will discuss what causes Klinefelter syndrome.

Klinefelter Syndrome Causes

An extra copy of X chromosome can occur due to nondisjunction of sex chromosomes. Every individual has 46 chromosomes that include two sex chromosomes, X and Y. Men have one X and one Y chromosome. Men inherit the X chromosome from their mother and the Y chromosome from their father. In the case of KIinefelter, men inherit an extra X chromosome from either of the parents.

This is thought to be caused due to the failure of chromosome separation or nondisjunction during the egg or sperm formation in the parent. If the gamete with the extra X chromosome happens to fuse with the normal gamete, then the embryo may inherit this extra sex chromosome. Women who conceive after the age of 35 have higher chances of having a boy with this rare genetic disorder.

Some men have this extra copy of the X chromosome in each cell of their body. While others have it in some of their cells, which is known as the mosaic Klinefelter syndrome.