Question

What is the distinction between a deletion and an insertion in terms of chromosomal aberrations?

Options

• Deletion is spontaneous; insertion is induced

• Deletion is loss of a DNA segment; insertion is gain of a DNA segment

• Deletion is a point mutation; insertion is a frameshift mutation

• Deletion occurs in genes; insertion occurs in chromosomes

Answer 1

A deletion represents the loss of a DNA segment, while an insertion or duplication represents the gain of a DNA segment. Both deletions and insertions are chromosomal aberrations that alter the genetic material and can have significant effects on gene function, commonly observed in cancer cells and other genetic disorders.