Turner syndrome: Year of the Zebra

The same way blueprints dictate how a building is going to look, our DNA contains the instructions for every cell’s function. The question here is: what happens when a chunk of instructions is missing? Turner Syndrome is characterized by a partial or complete loss of one of the two X chromosomes in females. The manifestations of this can be quite variable, resulting in infertility and/or distinctive physical features such as a short stature, webbed neck, or a 'shield chest'. This Zebra affects only females at a rate of about 1 in 2000 live births. They are also at risk of serious heart and kidney defects among others. There is no cure, but with proper medical care, especially hormonal therapy, people with turner syndrome can lead full, productive lives. Learn more by watching the video above.