Question
what is non disjunction
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GPT-4o mini
Nondisjunction is a genetic event that occurs when homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids fail to separate properly during cell division. This can happen during either meiosis (the process that produces gametes, such as sperm and eggs) or mitosis (the process of cell division for somatic cells).
As a result of nondisjunction, one daughter cell may receive an extra chromosome (resulting in a condition known as trisomy), while the other daughter cell may lack that chromosome (resulting in a condition known as monosomy). Common examples of conditions caused by nondisjunction during gamete formation include:
- **Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)**: Caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
- **Turner syndrome (Monosomy X)**: Results from the absence of one X chromosome in females.
- **Klinefelter syndrome (XXY)**: Results from an extra X chromosome in males.
Nondisjunction can lead to significant genetic disorders and other developmental issues. The likelihood of nondisjunction can increase with maternal age, particularly in cases of Down syndrome.
As a result of nondisjunction, one daughter cell may receive an extra chromosome (resulting in a condition known as trisomy), while the other daughter cell may lack that chromosome (resulting in a condition known as monosomy). Common examples of conditions caused by nondisjunction during gamete formation include:
- **Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)**: Caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
- **Turner syndrome (Monosomy X)**: Results from the absence of one X chromosome in females.
- **Klinefelter syndrome (XXY)**: Results from an extra X chromosome in males.
Nondisjunction can lead to significant genetic disorders and other developmental issues. The likelihood of nondisjunction can increase with maternal age, particularly in cases of Down syndrome.
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