Which population is most likely to be carriers of Fragile X Syndrome?

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is caused by a mutation in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. This condition is known as a trinucleotide repeat disorder, where a specific DNA sequence (CGG) is repeated more times than normal. The number of repeats can affect the gene’s function, with a higher number of repeats generally leading to a greater likelihood of developing FXS or related conditions. Studies have shown that the FMR1 premutation and full mutation can be found in various populations around the world, without a significant bias towards any specific ethnic or geographical group. While there might be slight variations in carrier frequency rates among different populations, these differences are not substantial enough to suggest a high-risk population. For instance, carrier frequencies for the FMR1 premutation are generally estimated to be similar across diverse populations, indicating that no single ethnic or geographical group is significantly more likely to be carriers of FXS than others. Therefore, Fragile X Syndrome is considered to be a genetic condition that affects individuals of all ethnic backgrounds. Genetic counseling and testing are recommended for families with a history of FXS or related disorders, irrespective of their ethnic or geographical background. Problem: Which population is most likely to be carriers of Fragile X Syndrome? A) Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent B) Individuals of Northern European descent C) Individuals of Sub-Saharan African descent D) There is no population-specific carrier frequency for FXS