Patau syndrome is associated with which chromosome number?

Patau syndrome, also known as trisomy 13, is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 13 in a person's genetic makeup. Normally, humans have two copies of each chromosome, but in Patau syndrome, there are three copies of chromosome 13. This additional chromosome leads to various physical and developmental abnormalities associated with the syndrome, such as severe intellectual disability, heart defects, and facial clefts.

The connection to chromosome 13 is crucial for understanding the genetic basis of the condition and its implications. Identifying Patau syndrome as a trisomy of chromosome 13 helps medical professionals accurately diagnose the condition and provides a foundation for further studies into its effects and possible interventions.

Other chromosome numbers mentioned, such as chromosomes 21 and 18, are associated with other conditions, like Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome, respectively, while chromosome 45 refers to an abnormality in the total number of chromosomes rather than a specific syndrome. The distinction emphasizes the importance of knowing the correct chromosome involved in a particular genetic disorder.