Biology 30 Genetics Practice Test

What is the term for a mutation that involves the loss of all or part of a chromosome?

Duplication chromosomal mutation Deletion chromosomal mutation Inversion chromosomal mutation Translocation chromosomal mutation

Correct Answer:

Deletion chromosomal mutation

Explanation:

Loss of genetic material from a chromosome is called a deletion. This mutation means all or part of the chromosome is missing, so fewer genes are present in that region. Deletions can occur at the end of a chromosome (terminal) or within the chromosome (interstitial), and they can have significant effects depending on which genes are lost. In contrast, duplications add extra copies of a chromosome segment, inversions flip a segment's order without removing material, and translocations move a segment to a different chromosome or location. A classic example of a deletion-related condition is Cri du chat, caused by a missing piece of chromosome 5.

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