Awesome
This is the absolute best paper i've ever read on biology.
AP Biology
Mr. Carlton
8 January 2001
Klinefelters Syndrome and The Human Response
One of the many great lessons to be taught in modern Biology is that
of genetics. Genetics, or the language of the heavens, as many have
called it, is the study of the heredity and variation in similar or
related animals and plants. Many pioneers in this school of thought
have beat on in the face of putrid derision, borne back ceaselessly
into the past. Perhaps the most notable of these genetic masterminds,
as the great scribes will no doubt call them, is Gregor Mendel.
Discovering a method of thinking that rivals that of even the greatest
of geniuses, Mendel created what was to be known as genetics. Using
the help of his dastardly little pea plants, Mendels achievement was
like a shining light to this biological paradox that almost no one
could understand, let alone comprehend. It was only after Mendels
death that we truly understood how great this Austrian monk really
was.
While everyone was having such a grand old time with all this genetics
business, a dark cloud loomed on the horizon. Indeed, it was bad news
for Gregor Mendels little song and dance act. The Klinefelter Enigma,
as the newspapers called it, struck without warning or pretense.
Somewhere in the pages of this new science laid the way for a horrid
abnormality. This cause for disgust was entitled Klinefelters
Syndrome, a name that strikes fear in the souls of geneticists and
biologists all across the land. Of the incident, acclaimed talk-show
host Phil Donahue wrote, I remember where I was when the Klinefelter
hit the fan. It was like, man, who knew? Though most accounts were not
as vivid as Donahues, they expressed the same regret and deep sadness
that the acclaimed talk-show host detailed.
Deep within the DNA of the human being, there lies two twenty-third
chromosomes. These same twenty-third chromosomes are also called the
Sex Chromosomes. The Sex Chromosomes, as you would predict, decide the
sex of the subject at hand. Using two alternating types of Sex
Chromosomes, X and Y, the grouping of these twin beasts is the genetic
determining factor for sex, or as certain fringe groups prefer to call
it in this disgustingly politically correct day and age, gender. In
humans, a XX combination produces a female, while a XY combination
produces a male. However, this is an idealistic portrayal of this
mambo with the big man that creates human life.
When meiotic nondisjunction occurs, it can spell major trouble for the
offspring. Meiotic nondisjunction is the process in which chromosomes
fail to
separate from each other during meiosis. This failure to separate can
occur during the first or second meiotic divisions. If it does indeed
occur in the first meiotic division, all of the gametes will enjoy an
abnormal number of chromosomes. If it chooses to go for the throat,
and occur in the second meiotic division, only two of the four gametes
will be affected. When applied to the sex chromosome, this can result
in differing numbers of Xs and Ys, producing big time ugly babies.
When scientists plunged deeper into the applications of this meiotic
wrongdoing, they arrived at the sex chromosome with inquiring eyes,
and as many would testify, a curious and sensual glance of impatience
and punctuality. What does this mean? one irritated scientist asked.
Through all the incessant questioning and experimenting, researchers
came to several implications, but only one had the greatest effect.
The implications of sex-linked nondisjunction led to one overbearing
title: genetic disorders. The strange combinations of Xs and Ys that
produced these disorders seemed impossible, a genetic anomaly.
However, those trusty biologists once again convinced the restless
crowd of its truthfulness. Since a Y chromosome is male determining,
any person who contains at least one Y chromosome will develop to be a
male. This fact leads to many frightening disorders, calling to mind a
circus freak show. The combination of XXX, or the
Super Female, produces an existence that has not been proven, seen, or
measured anywhere. The popularity of the Super Female was very short.
The combination of XYY, or the Criminal Chromosome, has developed
considerable controversy for exhibiting aggressive behavior, but has
never been proven. A wave of much more substantial evidence surrounds
Turners Syndrome, the genetic disorder characterized by the
combination of X and no second sex chromosome. Turners Syndrome
produces a female with arrested genital development, failed ovary
production, and abnormal body structure. The last remaining disorder
in this field to come down the assembly line was the greatest, and
most frightening of all - Klinefelters Syndrome.
Any male with an extra X chromosome will develop Klinefelters
Syndrome. This is represented by the combination XXY. The ailment is
characterized by mental retardation, underdevelopment of the
genitalia, and the presence of feminine physical characteristics, such
as gigantic man-breasts. This man of incomplete virilization and
distinctly feminine appearance has small testicles which are incapable
of producing mature sperm. The mental impairment these men suffer can
also be extended to the development of an inadequate personality.
Thankfully for ladies all across America, the sex drive of these
gentlemen is extremely low.
Only one male in 500 is thought to be born with Klinefelters syndrome,
or so they say. This has many implications for everyday life. One
implication is the matter of placement for these individuals. Where do
they truly belong? The considerably poor medical facilities provided
for these deformed beings raises significant questions as to the
humanity of the matter. However, studies show that one place these
affected individuals shouldnt be is the bedroom: Klinefelters syndrome
can be caused by the union of a similarly abnormal sperm and a normal
ovum. This emphasizes even further the already overwhelming need
for a tighter grip on sexual promiscuity and an added awareness of
birth control, as even the most fleeting of sexual encounters could
produce another seething, disgusting freak of nature such that
Klinefelters Syndrome creates. Fortunately, the governments of the
world seem to have this whole show under control, with camps and other
forms of KC (Klinefelters Control) in use in our normal lives. Yes,
the threat of a Klinefelter is relatively low, and we are at peace.
But at what cost?
Klinefelters Syndrome is indeed a horrific ailment that, if given the
chance, will create the most decrepit of all beasts. There is no mix
of words that can evoke the feeling of true terror that erupts from
the visage of such a foul product. One of God's own prototypes. Some
kind of high-powered mutant never even considered for mass production.
Too weird to live, and too rare to die. Though this sad state of
affairs exists, the wide range of scientifically acquired preventative
measures gives us the ability to stop the cycle before it starts.
However great our depository of scientific knowledge may be, we cannot
hit all of the proverbial curveballs that nature herself may throw at
us. Herein lies the central problem of The Klinefelters Enigma, the
influence of chance. Perhaps it is a problem we may never triumph
over, but rather simply learn to live with. The creation of new
facilities, such as special schools and medical centers, may help by
giving sufferers a place to go to receive both medical and
psychological assistance. In addition, using that ultimate tool of
vanity, plastic surgery, we can alter some of the more unsavory
characteristics of Klinefelters Syndrome (such as the gargantuan
man-tits.) The only quote that can truly sum up the madness of
Klinefelters Syndrome comes to us courtesy of acclaimed talk-show host
Phil Donahue: "Cheers to our future, to greater tolerance and freer
inquiry, to more accommodation and fewer showdowns, to more caring and
happier children, to sounder sleep and better dreams." And for that, I
thank God.
Bibliography
Brum, G. Biology: Exploring Life.
New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1989.
Donahue, P. The Human Animal.
New York: Simon & Schuster, 1985.
Griffiths, M. Introduction to Human Physiology.
New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1974.
McCary, J. McCarys Human Sexuality.
New York: D. Van Nostrand, 1978.
Webster, N. Websters New Twentieth Century Dictionary.
New York: Simon & Schuster, 1979.
Wilson, W. J., et al. Biology: An Appreciation of Life.
Del Mar: Communications Research Machines, 1972.
AP Biology
Mr. Carlton
8 January 2001
Klinefelters Syndrome and The Human Response
One of the many great lessons to be taught in modern Biology is that
of genetics. Genetics, or the language of the heavens, as many have
called it, is the study of the heredity and variation in similar or
related animals and plants. Many pioneers in this school of thought
have beat on in the face of putrid derision, borne back ceaselessly
into the past. Perhaps the most notable of these genetic masterminds,
as the great scribes will no doubt call them, is Gregor Mendel.
Discovering a method of thinking that rivals that of even the greatest
of geniuses, Mendel created what was to be known as genetics. Using
the help of his dastardly little pea plants, Mendels achievement was
like a shining light to this biological paradox that almost no one
could understand, let alone comprehend. It was only after Mendels
death that we truly understood how great this Austrian monk really
was.
While everyone was having such a grand old time with all this genetics
business, a dark cloud loomed on the horizon. Indeed, it was bad news
for Gregor Mendels little song and dance act. The Klinefelter Enigma,
as the newspapers called it, struck without warning or pretense.
Somewhere in the pages of this new science laid the way for a horrid
abnormality. This cause for disgust was entitled Klinefelters
Syndrome, a name that strikes fear in the souls of geneticists and
biologists all across the land. Of the incident, acclaimed talk-show
host Phil Donahue wrote, I remember where I was when the Klinefelter
hit the fan. It was like, man, who knew? Though most accounts were not
as vivid as Donahues, they expressed the same regret and deep sadness
that the acclaimed talk-show host detailed.
Deep within the DNA of the human being, there lies two twenty-third
chromosomes. These same twenty-third chromosomes are also called the
Sex Chromosomes. The Sex Chromosomes, as you would predict, decide the
sex of the subject at hand. Using two alternating types of Sex
Chromosomes, X and Y, the grouping of these twin beasts is the genetic
determining factor for sex, or as certain fringe groups prefer to call
it in this disgustingly politically correct day and age, gender. In
humans, a XX combination produces a female, while a XY combination
produces a male. However, this is an idealistic portrayal of this
mambo with the big man that creates human life.
When meiotic nondisjunction occurs, it can spell major trouble for the
offspring. Meiotic nondisjunction is the process in which chromosomes
fail to
separate from each other during meiosis. This failure to separate can
occur during the first or second meiotic divisions. If it does indeed
occur in the first meiotic division, all of the gametes will enjoy an
abnormal number of chromosomes. If it chooses to go for the throat,
and occur in the second meiotic division, only two of the four gametes
will be affected. When applied to the sex chromosome, this can result
in differing numbers of Xs and Ys, producing big time ugly babies.
When scientists plunged deeper into the applications of this meiotic
wrongdoing, they arrived at the sex chromosome with inquiring eyes,
and as many would testify, a curious and sensual glance of impatience
and punctuality. What does this mean? one irritated scientist asked.
Through all the incessant questioning and experimenting, researchers
came to several implications, but only one had the greatest effect.
The implications of sex-linked nondisjunction led to one overbearing
title: genetic disorders. The strange combinations of Xs and Ys that
produced these disorders seemed impossible, a genetic anomaly.
However, those trusty biologists once again convinced the restless
crowd of its truthfulness. Since a Y chromosome is male determining,
any person who contains at least one Y chromosome will develop to be a
male. This fact leads to many frightening disorders, calling to mind a
circus freak show. The combination of XXX, or the
Super Female, produces an existence that has not been proven, seen, or
measured anywhere. The popularity of the Super Female was very short.
The combination of XYY, or the Criminal Chromosome, has developed
considerable controversy for exhibiting aggressive behavior, but has
never been proven. A wave of much more substantial evidence surrounds
Turners Syndrome, the genetic disorder characterized by the
combination of X and no second sex chromosome. Turners Syndrome
produces a female with arrested genital development, failed ovary
production, and abnormal body structure. The last remaining disorder
in this field to come down the assembly line was the greatest, and
most frightening of all - Klinefelters Syndrome.
Any male with an extra X chromosome will develop Klinefelters
Syndrome. This is represented by the combination XXY. The ailment is
characterized by mental retardation, underdevelopment of the
genitalia, and the presence of feminine physical characteristics, such
as gigantic man-breasts. This man of incomplete virilization and
distinctly feminine appearance has small testicles which are incapable
of producing mature sperm. The mental impairment these men suffer can
also be extended to the development of an inadequate personality.
Thankfully for ladies all across America, the sex drive of these
gentlemen is extremely low.
Only one male in 500 is thought to be born with Klinefelters syndrome,
or so they say. This has many implications for everyday life. One
implication is the matter of placement for these individuals. Where do
they truly belong? The considerably poor medical facilities provided
for these deformed beings raises significant questions as to the
humanity of the matter. However, studies show that one place these
affected individuals shouldnt be is the bedroom: Klinefelters syndrome
can be caused by the union of a similarly abnormal sperm and a normal
ovum. This emphasizes even further the already overwhelming need
for a tighter grip on sexual promiscuity and an added awareness of
birth control, as even the most fleeting of sexual encounters could
produce another seething, disgusting freak of nature such that
Klinefelters Syndrome creates. Fortunately, the governments of the
world seem to have this whole show under control, with camps and other
forms of KC (Klinefelters Control) in use in our normal lives. Yes,
the threat of a Klinefelter is relatively low, and we are at peace.
But at what cost?
Klinefelters Syndrome is indeed a horrific ailment that, if given the
chance, will create the most decrepit of all beasts. There is no mix
of words that can evoke the feeling of true terror that erupts from
the visage of such a foul product. One of God's own prototypes. Some
kind of high-powered mutant never even considered for mass production.
Too weird to live, and too rare to die. Though this sad state of
affairs exists, the wide range of scientifically acquired preventative
measures gives us the ability to stop the cycle before it starts.
However great our depository of scientific knowledge may be, we cannot
hit all of the proverbial curveballs that nature herself may throw at
us. Herein lies the central problem of The Klinefelters Enigma, the
influence of chance. Perhaps it is a problem we may never triumph
over, but rather simply learn to live with. The creation of new
facilities, such as special schools and medical centers, may help by
giving sufferers a place to go to receive both medical and
psychological assistance. In addition, using that ultimate tool of
vanity, plastic surgery, we can alter some of the more unsavory
characteristics of Klinefelters Syndrome (such as the gargantuan
man-tits.) The only quote that can truly sum up the madness of
Klinefelters Syndrome comes to us courtesy of acclaimed talk-show host
Phil Donahue: "Cheers to our future, to greater tolerance and freer
inquiry, to more accommodation and fewer showdowns, to more caring and
happier children, to sounder sleep and better dreams." And for that, I
thank God.
Bibliography
Brum, G. Biology: Exploring Life.
New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1989.
Donahue, P. The Human Animal.
New York: Simon & Schuster, 1985.
Griffiths, M. Introduction to Human Physiology.
New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1974.
McCary, J. McCarys Human Sexuality.
New York: D. Van Nostrand, 1978.
Webster, N. Websters New Twentieth Century Dictionary.
New York: Simon & Schuster, 1979.
Wilson, W. J., et al. Biology: An Appreciation of Life.
Del Mar: Communications Research Machines, 1972.