Chromosomal Mutations and Cancer

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to chromosomal mutations and their relevance to cancer.

Translocation

Involves two chromosomes that are not homologous where part of one chromosome is transferred to another chromosome.

Deletion

Typically due to breakage of the chromosome, resulting in the loss of a chromosome segment.

Duplication

An entire section of a chromosome is copied and inserted back into the chromosome.

Missense mutation

Occurs when one base in the DNA sequence is changed, resulting in a different amino acid being incorporated into the protein.

Nonsense mutation

Occurs when a nitrogen base sequence is changed so that a codon now codes for a stop codon, prematurely ending protein synthesis.

Silent mutation

A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence, thus having no effect on the protein.

Nondisjunction

The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis, leading to gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes.

Trisomy 21

A genetic disorder caused by nondisjunction, commonly known as Down Syndrome.

Frameshift mutation

Occurs when one base is added or deleted from the DNA sequence, leading to a cascade of changes in the amino acid sequence.

Mutagen

Anything that causes a change in DNA, including radiation, chemicals, and other environmental factors.