Aneuploid

Definition

Aneuploid describes a condition in which the number of chromosomes in a cell is not an exact multiple of the haploid number. It often results in genetic disorders due to the abnormal distribution of chromosomes during cell division.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aneuploidy can lead to conditions such as Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
2. Nondisjunction during meiosis or mitosis is a common cause of aneuploidy.
3. Cells with missing chromosomes (monosomy) or extra chromosomes (trisomy) are examples of aneuploid cells.
4. Aneuploidy can occur in both autosomes and sex chromosomes, leading to various syndromes like Turner syndrome (45,X) and Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY).
5. Detection of aneuploidy can be performed using techniques such as karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Review Questions

Related terms

Nondisjunction: A failure of chromosome pairs to separate properly during cell division.

Karyotyping: A laboratory technique that produces images of an individual's chromosomes, used to detect chromosomal abnormalities.

Trisomy:

The presence of an extra chromosome, resulting in three copies instead of the normal two.