chromosomal mutation

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Explanation of "Chromosomal Mutation"

Definition:
A "chromosomal mutation" is a change in the structure or number of chromosomes in an organism's cells. Chromosomes are long strands of DNA that carry genetic information. When a chromosomal mutation occurs, it can affect how traits are passed from parents to offspring. This can happen in several ways, such as when a piece of a chromosome is added, deleted, or rearranged.

Usage Instructions

• Part of Speech: Noun
• How to Use: You can use "chromosomal mutation" to describe a specific type of genetic change that happens in living things, often in the context of biology, medicine, or genetics.

Example Sentence

• "Scientists discovered a chromosomal mutation that may cause certain types of cancer."

Advanced Usage

In advanced discussions, you may encounter terms like "aneuploidy" (an abnormal number of chromosomes) or "translocation" (a piece of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome). These are specific types of chromosomal mutations.

Word Variants

• Mutation (noun): A general term for any change in the DNA sequence.
• Mutate (verb): The action of undergoing a mutation.
• Mutational (adjective): Relating to or resulting from a mutation.

Different Meanings

While "chromosomal mutation" specifically refers to changes in chromosomes, the word "mutation" alone can refer to any change in the genetic material, including smaller changes like point mutations, which affect just one base pair in the DNA.

Synonyms

• Genetic mutation
• Chromosomal alteration
• Genetic change

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that include "chromosomal mutation," but you might hear the phrase "to mutate" used in a more general sense to describe changes or adaptations, such as:

Summary

A "chromosomal mutation" is a significant change in the genetic material of an organism that can lead to differences in traits or health.

Academic

Noun

1. (genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism

Synonyms

• mutation
• genetic mutation