Chromosome 18

There are many genetic disorders due to gene mutations on chromosome 18. For example 'tetrasomy 18p' which results in an isochromosome (an extra chromosome) with an extra p or q arm. This causes an intellectual disability and delayed development for the sufferer. Also 'trisomy 18p' is a result of aquiring 3 of chromosome 18 insead of the original 2 copies leaving the suffere with great birth defects which could be potentially fatal.Trisomy 18 is commonly known as Edward's Syndrome. An individual may have partial or mosaic trisomy 18, which is a less severe form of the disease. Those affected by this type are able to survive, but will likely have disabilities that means their life expectancy would be much shorter than that of a healthy individual.