Definition of Chromosome inversion
Chromosome inversion: A condition in which a chromosome segment is clipped out, turned upside down, and reinserted back into the chromosome. A chromosome inversion can be inherited from one or both parents, or it may be a mutation that appears in a child whose family has no history of chromosome inversion. An inversion can be 'balanced,' meaning that it has all the genes that are present in a normal chromosome; or it can be 'unbalanced,' meaning that genes have been deleted (lost) or duplicated. A balanced inversion causes no problems. An unbalanced inversion is often associated with problems such as developmental delay, mental retardation, and birth defects.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8183
Last Editorial Review: 3/19/2012
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