Humans are more like the X-Men than they ever dreamed possible. Studies show that every single human of our species has more than two hundred mutations woven in and out of our DNA. A genetic mutation is a perpetual change in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. These mutations can occur in two different ways; they can be acquired during life or inherited from biological parents. Some mutations are absolutely harmless; these are the mutations that occupy the majority of the typical human body. However, there are also some genetic mutations that are harmful to the body. For example, one in six hundred and ninety-one American children has Down syndrome, a form of genetic mutation. It is estimated that today just under six million people worldwide live with this condition. Down syndrome is defined as a congenital disorder resulting from a chromosomal defect, causing intellectual disorders and physical anomalies. In simpler words, Down syndrome causes humans to have differences in physical appearance and disabilities in mental and learning abilities. This harmful genetic mutation has had different causes and effects for different people. Down syndrome occurs when one of three types of abnormal cell divisions involving chromosome 21 occurs. Roger W. Harms, a doctor, states: “Human cells normally contain twenty-three pairs of chromosomes. One pair comes from your father and one pair comes from your mother. In each pair, one chromosome comes from the father and the other from the mother. One of the three genetic variations that can cause Down syndrome is trisomy 21. This version of Down syndrome occurs in more than 90% of cases. It is about... half of the paper... a negative impact on the family, the favorable effect it has outweighs the harmful influence. At first the family may experience a lot of stress and anxiety, but eventually the child helps each family member become a better person. However, Down syndrome has a dangerous effect on the child. It puts the child in a vulnerable place; the child would have many physical disadvantages (developmental delays, etc.) as well as mental health problems (fatigue, mental retardation, etc.). Children with Down syndrome are portrayed as unfortunate, and while some are, most turn out to be beautiful additions to the world. In some cases, the insidious effects of the disorder can put children at a greater disadvantage than necessary. Therefore, gaining knowledge about the origins of Down syndrome can help people find an exquisite flower in the stained snow.