noun
- An abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell, resulting from the loss or gain of individual chromosomes rather than entire sets.
Usage: technical; genetics
Examples
- Down syndrome is caused by aneuploidy, specifically the presence of three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two.
- Aneuploidy can occur when chromosomes fail to separate properly during cell division.
- Many cancers involve aneuploidy, with tumor cells containing abnormal chromosome numbers.
- Aneuploidy in humans often results in genetic disorders or developmental abnormalities.
- Geneticists study aneuploidy to understand how chromosome imbalances affect organism development.
- Turner syndrome is an example of aneuploidy involving a missing X chromosome in females.