TRISOMIC Meaning and
Definition
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Trisomic is an adjective used to describe the condition of an organism or individual that possesses an additional copy of one specific chromosome, resulting in a total of three copies instead of the usual two. This genetic abnormality is a type of aneuploidy, which refers to any deviation from the normal number of chromosomes found in a particular species.
In a trisomic individual, the extra chromosome can be the result of non-disjunction during meiosis, where the chromosomes fail to separate properly, producing an extra copy. Trisomies can occur in any of the 23 pairs of human chromosomes, but one of the most well-known examples is trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, where there is an extra copy of chromosome 21.
The consequences of trisomy can vary depending on the specific chromosome involved and the genes it contains. Some trisomies can be lethal and lead to spontaneous abortion or stillbirth, while others can cause severe developmental abnormalities and health issues. Trisomy 21, for instance, is associated with distinctive physical features, intellectual disabilities, and an increased risk for certain medical conditions.
Genetic testing, such as karyotyping, can be used to identify trisomies prenatally or shortly after birth. While trisomies cannot be cured, supportive medical care, therapy, and specialized education can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with trisomy.
Etymology of TRISOMIC
The word trisomic is derived from the combination of two root words - tri and som - along with the suffix -ic.
The root word tri comes from the Latin word tres, meaning three.
The root word som comes from the Greek word soma, which means body.
The suffix -ic is a common suffix in English which means pertaining to or relating to.
When combined, the word trisomic means pertaining to or relating to the condition of having three copies of a particular chromosome in the body.
