A child is born with a small round head, furrowed tongue, partially open mouth, and a broad palm with a characteristic palm crease. Identify the genetic disorder and the fundamental cellular mechanism that leads to this condition.

Step-by-step solution

The clinical symptoms described (small round head, furrowed tongue, partially open mouth, broad palm with characteristic palm crease) are the classic features of Down's syndrome, as stated in NCERT. Down's syndrome is an example of aneuploidy (Trisomy 21). Aneuploidy results from the failure of segregation of chromatids during the cell division cycle, which leads to the gain or loss of a chromosome. Failure of cytokinesis after telophase leads to polyploidy, not aneuploidy. Therefore, the condition is Down's syndro