Fragile X Syndrome and its Causes

     Fragile X syndrome is a recessive genetic disorder that is caused by the mutation to the X chromosomes. The mutation happens in the Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene of the arms of the X chromosome. That gene is responsible for a specific protein to help the brain function right. The mutated gene also contains a repetition of sequence of the DNA that can cause autism. 

 

     The disorder can be passed on from one generation to another. Women are more than likely to be carriers of that disease than be affected because the female has two X chromosomes. Men, on the other hand can easily get FXS from their mother carriers since they only have one X chromosome. 1 in 4000 males and 1 in 8000 females have a chance of being affected. It is kind of a rare disease, but it is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation. When the parents pass it on to their offsprings, they would not be able to notice the disorder until later on in life. it does not come when they are babies.