Karyotype of partial mole?
**Core Concept**
A partial mole is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) characterized by an abnormal karyotype resulting from an abnormal fertilization event. The karyotype of a partial mole typically involves a triploid (three sets of chromosomes) genome, often with an extra set of chromosomes from the father.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The karyotype of a partial mole usually consists of 69 chromosomes, with 46 chromosomes from the mother and 23 chromosomes from the father. This triploid karyotype is often due to an error in meiosis or fertilization, where a single sperm fertilizes two ova, resulting in a diploid sperm nucleus and a diploid oocyte nucleus combining to form a triploid zygote.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option does not accurately describe the karyotype of a partial mole.
*The karyotype of a complete mole is usually 46,XX or 46,XY, not triploid.*
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as it describes the karyotype of a complete mole.
*The karyotype of a complete mole is usually 46,XX or 46,XY, not triploid.*
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as it describes the karyotype of a normal fetus.
*The karyotype of a normal fetus is diploid, consisting of 46 chromosomes.*
**Option D:** This option is a distractor and does not accurately describe the karyotype of a partial mole.
*The karyotype of a partial mole is triploid, not tetraploid.*
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that the karyotype of a partial mole is triploid, which is a key distinguishing feature from complete moles and normal pregnancies. This knowledge can aid in the diagnosis and management of gestational trophoblastic diseases.
**Correct Answer: C. 46-47,XXY or 46-47,XXX. Diploid-triploid mosaicism is also seen in some cases.**