Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Genetics) A change in genetic structure: A "chromosomal mutation" refers to any event that alters the genetic material of an organism. This involves a change in the inherited nucleic acid sequence (DNA or RNA) that makes up an organism's genotype.
   • An alteration in the genome: It is a specific type of mutation involving larger-scale changes to chromosomes, such as deletions, duplications, inversions, or translocations of chromosome segments, as opposed to smaller-scale point mutations.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The genetic disorder was caused by a rare chromosomal mutation.
  • Scientists studied the chromosomal mutation to understand its effect on development.
  • Not all chromosomal mutations are harmful; some can be neutral or even provide an evolutionary advantage.

Advanced Usage

• "to carry a chromosomal mutation": to possess a genetic alteration in one's chromosomes.
  • Individuals who carry the chromosomal mutation may not show any symptoms.
• "spontaneous chromosomal mutation": a genetic change that occurs without a known external cause.
  • The disease resulted from a spontaneous chromosomal mutation.

Variants and Related Words

• Mutation (n): A broader term for any change in a DNA sequence. A chromosomal mutation is a category of mutation.
  • A point mutation affects a single nucleotide, while a chromosomal mutation involves a larger segment.
• Genetic alteration (n): A synonym emphasizing the change in genetic material.
• Chromosomal aberration (n): Often used interchangeably in medical genetics to describe a deviation from the normal chromosome structure or number.

Synonyms

• Genetic mutation
• Chromosome abnormality
• Structural variation (in a genomic context)

Related Phrases

• To undergo a chromosomal mutation: The process of a chromosome changing.
  • The cell line appeared to undergo a chromosomal mutation after exposure to the chemical.
• To result from a chromosomal mutation: To be caused by such a genetic change.
  • The syndrome results from a chromosomal mutation on chromosome 5.

Related Idioms

(This term is highly technical and scientific; it is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is primarily literal within genetics, biology, and medicine.)

Noun

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