Question

What type of structural abnormality is represented by a chromosomal segment that detaches and reattaches in reverse orientation?

Options

• Deletion

• Duplication

• Translocation

• Inversion

Answer 1

Inversion is a structural chromosomal abnormality in which a segment detaches from a chromosome and reattaches in the reverse orientation. This can occur on any chromosome, with inversions on chromosome 9 being relatively common. Inversions are often silent but may affect gene expression if they occur at gene boundaries or alter regulatory sequences.