BRAINCAKEChromosome Mutations
Whole chromosome mutations may occur in which the number or structure of chromosomes in the cell changes.
A diploid cell should have two sets of chromosomes. Each of the pair of homologous chromosomes inherited is from each parent.
If the cell has three or more sets of chromosomes, this is known as polyploidy. Polyploidy occurs mostly in plants.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- homologous chromosomes
- A pair of chromosomes, one from each parent, that carry the same genes at the same loci but may carry different alleles.
- diploid
- Having two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, as in a normal body cell.
- mutation
- A random change in the amount, arrangement or base sequence of the DNA of an organism.
- meiosis
- A type of nuclear division that produces four genetically different haploid daughter cells (gametes) from a diploid parent cell.
More in Genetic Diversity
- Mutations
- Gene Mutations
- Substitution of Bases
- Deletion of Bases
- Polyploidy and Hybrids
- Meiosis
- The Process of Meiosis
- Genetic Recombination by Crossing Over
All 19 lessons in Genetic Diversity · All AQA AS-level Biology topics