Which disruption in chromosomal structure results in loss of chromosomal material?

Which disruption in chromosomal structure results in loss of chromosomal material?

• A. Deletion
• B. Duplication
• C. Inversion
• D. Translocation

Answer: (A)

Deletion is a chromosomal alteration that leads to the loss of a segment of the chromosome, meaning a portion of the genetic material is permanently removed. This can occur due to various factors, such as errors during DNA replication or as a result of environmental factors. When a deletion occurs, the genes located in that lost segment can no longer be expressed, which may lead to developmental issues or genetic disorders depending on the functions of those missing genes. In contrast, duplication involves the repetition of a chromosome segment, which increases the amount of genetic material rather than reducing it. Inversion refers to the reversal of a chromosome segment's orientation, altering the order of genes but not losing any genetic material. Translocation involves a segment of one chromosome breaking off and attaching to another chromosome, which redistributes genetic material between chromosomes rather than removing it. Therefore, deletion specifically is the only chromosomal disruption that directly results in a loss of chromosomal material.

Deletion is a chromosomal alteration that leads to the loss of a segment of the chromosome, meaning a portion of the genetic material is permanently removed. This can occur due to various factors, such as errors during DNA replication or as a result of environmental factors. When a deletion occurs, the genes located in that lost segment can no longer be expressed, which may lead to developmental issues or genetic disorders depending on the functions of those missing genes.

In contrast, duplication involves the repetition of a chromosome segment, which increases the amount of genetic material rather than reducing it. Inversion refers to the reversal of a chromosome segment's orientation, altering the order of genes but not losing any genetic material. Translocation involves a segment of one chromosome breaking off and attaching to another chromosome, which redistributes genetic material between chromosomes rather than removing it. Therefore, deletion specifically is the only chromosomal disruption that directly results in a loss of chromosomal material.