Pronunciation: [pˌɒlˈɪsəmɪ] (IPA) 
Polysomy is a term used in genetics to describe the presence of more than two copies of a particular chromosome in an individual. The word is composed of two parts, "poly," meaning many, and "somy," meaning body. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /pɒlɪˈsəʊmi/. The "o" in the first syllable is pronounced as the short "o" sound, like in "pot," while the "y" at the end is pronounced as "ee" sound, like in "sky."
Polysomy is a term that is primarily used in the field of genetics to describe a specific type of chromosomal abnormality. It refers to a condition where an individual has more than the usual number of chromosomes within their cells. Normally, human cells contain 46 chromosomes, but in polysomy, there is an excess.
Polysomy can result from different mechanisms, such as errors during cell division, translocation events, or the failure of chromosomes to separate properly. As a result, an individual with polysomy may have additional copies of one or more chromosomes, which disrupts the standard chromosomal balance.
This condition can have a substantial impact on an individual's development and health. The symptoms and severity of polysomy largely depend on the specific chromosomes involved and the number of extra copies. Polysomy involving autosomes (non-sex chromosomes) tends to have more profound effects on an individual compared to polysomy of sex chromosomes.
Common examples of polysomy include trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, where an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 21, and trisomy 18, also called Edwards syndrome, where there is an additional copy of chromosome 18.
Overall, polysomy refers to the presence of extra chromosomes in an individual's cells, causing genetic imbalances that can result in various physical and developmental abnormalities.
The word "polysomy" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "poly", meaning "many", and "soma", meaning "body" or "chromosome".
In genetics, "polysomy" refers to a condition where an organism carries extra copies of a chromosome in its cells. This term is primarily used to describe chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy, where there is an additional copy of a specific chromosome, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21).
