Chromosomal Mutations

A chromosomal mutation is a change in the structure or number of chromosomes, which can affect genetic information.

Deletion is a type of chromosomal mutation where a segment of the chromosome is lost or removed.

Duplication is a chromosomal mutation where a segment of the chromosome is copied and remains within the chromosome.

Inversion is a chromosomal mutation where a segment of the chromosome detaches, flips 180 degrees, and reattaches.

Translocation is a chromosomal mutation where a segment of one chromosome detaches and reattaches to a different chromosome.

Chromosomal mutations can lead to genetic disorders, developmental issues, or cancer.

Chromosomal mutations can occur due to errors during cell division, exposure to radiation, or certain chemicals.

Structural mutations involve changes in the structure of chromosomes (like deletion, duplication, inversion, translocation), while numerical mutations involve changes in the number of chromosomes (like aneuploidy).

Aneuploidy is a condition where the number of chromosomes is not an exact multiple of the haploid number, often resulting in genetic disorders.

A karyotype is a visual representation of an individual's chromosomes, used to identify chromosomal abnormalities.