Multiple choice

A 5 year old boy is found to have the karyotype 47, XXY. After being counseled about his diagnosis, his parents ask if he is at risk of passing this on to his son. What would you counsel them?

  1. There is a 50% risk that he will have a son with an extra X chromosome.

  2. He will be infertile so there is no risk of transmission.

  3. There is a slight possibility of fertility, and therefore he could have a chromosomally abnormal offspring.

  4. He will be unlikely to survive to reproductive age.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Most males with Klinefelter syndrome are infertile, although fertility is possible. He should be counseled about this possibility and the chance of having a chromosomally abnormal offspring, although the likelihood is low.

Keep practicing — related questions