Question

What are chromosomal mutations?

Answer 1

Chromosomal mutations, also known as chromosomal aberrations, are structural changes in chromosomes that affect the number or sequence of genes but do not alter the number of chromosomes. These mutations cause visible phenotypic changes and were first studied in Drosophila and maize. Common types of chromosomal mutations include deletions (loss of chromosome sections), duplications (extra chromosome parts), translocations (segments moved to non-homologous chromosomes), and inversions (reversal of chromosome segments). Such mutations can disrupt gene balance and influence the organism’s traits or evolution.