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chromosomal mutation

chromosomal mutation

6.3
Change in the number or shape of the parts in a cell that carry genes
  • noun
  • /ˌkroʊməˈsoʊməl mjuˈteɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mutación cromosómica
  • A chromosomal mutation can lead to genetic disorders in future generations.

Examples

  • Single gene mutations or whole chromosomal mutations are implicated in several neurodevelopmental disorders.

  • Researchers are studying how chromosomal mutations affect the development of certain cancers.

  • Understanding chromosomal mutations is essential for advancing genetic research and therapies.

Synonyms

mutation
vschromosomal mutation
  • Specialized
85 5.6

A permanent change in DNA that can cause new traits

is specific to changes in chromosome structure or number rather than all DNA changes
deletion
vschromosomal mutation
  • Specialized
3 6.7

A missing piece of DNA in a gene that changes how it works

describes larger structural or numeric chromosome alterations rather than small base losses
chromosomal abnormality
vschromosomal mutation
  • Specialized
1 6.1

A change in the number or shape of chromosomes that often causes health problems

focuses on the chromosome change itself rather than on resulting disorders
chromosomal anomaly
vschromosomal mutation
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A change in the number or shape of chromosomes that often causes health problems

is defined by the chromosome alteration itself rather than its health consequences
chromosomal aberration
vschromosomal mutation
  • Specialized
1 8.9

A change in the usual number or shape of chromosomes that often causes physical and mental problems

focuses on the structural or numeric chromosome change rather than its effects
point mutation
vschromosomal mutation
  • Specialized
1 6.0

A single change in DNA where one letter is changed, added, or lost

affects whole chromosome structure or number rather than only a single base
heteroploidy
vschromosomal mutation
  • Specialized
9.9

A condition in which an organism has a different number of chromosomes than normal for its species

is broader, covering structural as well as numeric chromosome changes
frameshift
vschromosomal mutation
  • Specialized
9.6

A genetic change when DNA letters are added or removed that changes how a gene is read

concerns changes to chromosome structure or count rather than gene reading frames

How Severe

chromosomal disorder
  • Specialized
1 5.3
chromosomal mutation
  • Specialized
6.3
chromosomal aberration
  • Specialized
1 8.9
chromosomal abnormality
  • Specialized
1 6.1
chromosomal anomaly
  • Specialized
1 6.7

Surface Forms

Morphology

chromosomal + mutation

The meaning of 'chromosomal mutation' is directly compositional: 'chromosomal' specifies the locus (chromosomes) and 'mutation' denotes a genetic change, so the phrase denotes a mutation affecting chromosomes. This structure is a straightforward modifier + noun compound found cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reasonably infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

The term chromosomal mutation comes from how scientists saw dark, thread-like chromosomes in cells that carry the bits of heredity called 'genes'. A mutation means a 'change', so the phrase pictures a change in those thread-like parts, which is why it means a change in an organism's 'genes'.