Fragile X syndrome- causes
Resource type:
Frequently Asked Questions —
Date posted:
January 27th, 2012
Number of views:
1310
What causes Fragile X Syndrome?
- A change or mutation in a gene on the X chromosome causes the fragile X syndrome.
- Most individuals have 46 chromosomes, two of which are sex chromosomes.
- In females, these are two X's; in males they are and X and Y.
- The gene responsible for fragile X syndrome is called the FMR1 gene.
- Normally, the FMR1 gene produces an important protein called FMRP.
- When the gene is turned off, the individual does not make the protein.
- The lack of this specific protein causes fragile X syndrome.
