Aneuploidy

Aneuploidy is a condition where the nucleus of a cell has one or a few chromosomes more or less than the usual number in the species.[1] It is a common cause of genetic disorders. Aneuploidy occurs during cell division when the chromosomes do not separate properly between the two cells.[2]

Aneuploidy often causes birth defects and miscarriages.[3] Birth defects make up about 3% of births in the United States.[4] Among those who survive birth, Down syndrome is the most common form of aneuploidy.[5] Many with Down syndrome do survive to adulthood.[5] Some cancer cells also have abnormal numbers of chromosomes.[6] The aneuploid theory of cancer suggests that aneuploidy is a cause of cancer rather than a result of it.[7]

References

  1. ↑ Species normally have a set number of chromosomes in each individual, and the term "aneuploidy" refers to the chromosome number being different from the usual number for that species.
  2. ↑ Dudek R.W. 2007. High-yield cell and molecular biology. 2nd ed, Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, p. 129
  3. ↑ Hassold T; Hall H. & Hunt P. 2007. The origin of human aneuploidy: where we have been, where we are going. Human Molecular Genetics 16, Review Issue 2, p. R203.
  4. ↑ "Birth defects". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 20 October 2014. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Benson J.B. & Haith M.M. (eds) 2009. Diseases and disorders in infancy and early childhood. Academic Press, p. 85
  6. ↑ Sen S (2000). "Aneuploidy and cancer". Current Opinion in Oncology. 12 (1): 82–8. doi:10.1097/00001622-200001000-00014. PMID 10687734. S2CID 24886651.
  7. ↑ Harvard Medical School (2013). "Study offers new theory of cancer development". ScienceDaily, LLC. Retrieved 31 October 2014.