CHROMOSOMAL MUTATION Meaning and
Definition
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A chromosomal mutation refers to an alteration or change that occurs in the structure or number of chromosomes within an organism's genetic material. Chromosomes are the thread-like structures found within the nucleus of cells, composed of DNA and proteins, which carry an individual's genetic information.
When a chromosomal mutation takes place, it can result in various changes, including deletions, duplications, inversions, translocations, or even whole chromosome changes. These mutations can occur spontaneously during the process of DNA replication or as a result of external factors such as exposure to radiation or chemicals.
Deletions happen when a segment of a chromosome is lost during replication, leading to the loss of certain genetic material. Duplications occur when a segment of a chromosome is copied, resulting in multiple copies of that particular segment. Inversions happen when a chromosome segment is flipped in orientation. Translocations occur when segments of chromosomes break off and reattach to different chromosomes. Whole chromosome changes, also known as aneuploidy, occur when entire chromosomes are added or missing.
Chromosomal mutations can have significant effects on an organism's development and may lead to genetic disorders or abnormalities. Examples include Down syndrome, caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, or Turner syndrome, where females are missing one X chromosome. Genetic counseling and testing are often utilized to detect and understand chromosomal mutations, providing valuable information for medical professionals and families.
Common Misspellings for CHROMOSOMAL MUTATION
- xhromosomal mutation
- vhromosomal mutation
- fhromosomal mutation
- dhromosomal mutation
- cgromosomal mutation
- cbromosomal mutation
- cnromosomal mutation
- cjromosomal mutation
- curomosomal mutation
- cyromosomal mutation
- cheomosomal mutation
- chdomosomal mutation
- chfomosomal mutation
- chtomosomal mutation
- ch5omosomal mutation
- ch4omosomal mutation
- chrimosomal mutation
- chrkmosomal mutation
- chrlmosomal mutation
Etymology of CHROMOSOMAL MUTATION
The etymology of the word "chromosomal mutation" can be broken down as follows:
1. Chromosomal: The word "chromosomal" is derived from the noun "chromosome".
- Chromosome: The term "chromosome" originated from the Greek words "chroma", meaning "color", and "soma", meaning "body". The German scientist Walther Flemming coined the term in 1888, as he observed a thread-like structure in cell nuclei that stained differently and hypothesized that these structures could be associated with inheritance and variations in color (chroma). The term "chromosome" was later adopted to represent the structures that carry genetic information within the cells.
2. Mutation: The term "mutation" comes from the Latin word "mutatio", which means "change".
- Mutatio: From Latin, "mutatio" refers to a change or alteration.
Similar spelling words for CHROMOSOMAL MUTATION
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