Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

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Which term best describes the process where both missing and extra chromosomes may occur?

Deletion
Nondisjunction
Breakage
Translocation

The correct answer is: Nondisjunction

Nondisjunction is the process that occurs during cell division when chromosomes fail to separate properly, leading to gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes. This can result in some gametes having an extra chromosome (trisomy) and others lacking a chromosome (monosomy) when fertilization occurs. This condition is particularly highlighted in disorders such as Down syndrome, where an extra copy of chromosome 21 is present. The other terms describe different genetic phenomena: deletion refers to the loss of a segment of a chromosome, breakage involves physical damage to a chromosome, and translocation describes the movement of a chromosome segment to a different position, which does not pertain to the presence of missing or extra chromosomes caused by improper separation during cell division. Hence, nondisjunction accurately encapsulates the process leading to both additional and missing chromosomes.