Chromosome abnormalities

Similar term(s): chromosomal abnormalities.

Chromosomal abnormalities result from mutations which change the number of chromosomes (numerical abnormalities) or change the structure of the chromosome (structural abnormalities). They may alter the ability of the cell to survive and function.

When numerical abnormalities occur in the germ cells (i.e. sperm and egg cells) or during the very early stages of development of the foetus they may result in miscarriage or in a developmental abnormality such as Down’s syndrome. Structural chromosome abnormalities occurring in germ cells may have similar effects. In some somatic cells (i.e. body cells which are not reproductive cells) numerical or structural abnormalities may lead to the initiation or progression of cancer.

Source: GreenFacts

Chromosome - Mutation

Español: Anomalía de cromosomas
Français: Anomalies chromosomiques

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