Question

What is duplication in connection with chromosomal mutation?

Answer 1

Duplication in chromosomal mutation refers to the presence of a part of a chromosome in excess of the normal complement. This happens when a broken section of a chromosome attaches itself to a homologous or non-homologous chromosome or exists as an independent chromosome if it contains a centromere. It results in some genes being present in more than two doses, causing abnormalities but often being less harmful than deletions. Duplication increases gene numbers, which can aid evolution by allowing gene copies to diverge in function.