Chromosome Rearrangements

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions from the lecture on chromosome rearrangements.

Chromosome

A long, continuous strand of DNA that contains many genes.

Deletion

A type of chromosome rearrangement where a segment of DNA is lost.

Duplication

A type of chromosome rearrangement where a segment of DNA is copied and added to the chromosome.

Inversion

A rearrangement in which a segment of a chromosome is reversed end to end.

Translocation

A type of chromosome rearrangement where a segment of DNA breaks off and attaches to a different chromosome.

Double strand break (DSB)

A type of DNA damage where both strands of the DNA helix are severed.

Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)

A repair mechanism for double strand breaks that directly joins the broken ends.

Meiotic crossover

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Telomeres

Protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that prevent degradation.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids attach and where microtubules attach during cell division.

Terminal deletion

A deletion that occurs at the end of a chromosome.

Interstitial deletion

A deletion of a segment of a chromosome that occurs in the middle.

Hybrid gene

A gene formed from the fusion of parts of two different genes.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype and environment.

Cytology

The branch of biology concerned with the structure and function of plant and animal cells.

Gene duplication

A process by which a segment of DNA is copied, leading to an increase in the number of copies of a particular gene.

Balanced rearrangements

Chromosomal rearrangements that do not change the total amount of genetic material.

Unbalanced rearrangements

Chromosomal rearrangements resulting in extra or missing genetic material.

Acentric chromosome

A chromosome that lacks a centromere.

Di-centric chromosome

A chromosome that has two centromeres.

Evolution

The process by which organisms change over time through variations and natural selection.