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Chromosomal Rearrangements: Inversions definitions

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  • Inversion
    A chromosome alteration where a segment's orientation is reversed, maintaining the same genetic content but changing gene order.
  • Paracentric Inversion
    A chromosome segment flip that occurs outside the centromere, altering gene order without involving the centromere.
  • Pericentric Inversion
    A chromosome segment flip that includes the centromere, resulting in a reversed gene order with the centromere involved.
  • Centromere
    A constricted chromosome region essential for proper segregation, which may or may not be included in an inversion.
  • Inversion Heterozygote
    An individual with one normal and one inverted chromosome, regardless of the allelic state at gene loci.
  • Inversion Loop
    A ribbon-like chromosome structure formed during pairing, allowing segments to flip and facilitate inversions.
  • Balancer Chromosome
    A laboratory-engineered chromosome with multiple inversions, used to suppress crossing over during genetic studies.
  • Crossing Over
    The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, which is suppressed by balancer chromosomes.
  • Genetic Content
    The total set of genes present in a chromosome, which remains unchanged during an inversion.
  • Gene Order
    The linear arrangement of genes along a chromosome, which is altered by inversions but not the gene content.
  • Homozygous Dominant
    A genetic state where both chromosomes carry dominant alleles, which can occur even in inversion heterozygotes.
  • Chromosome Segment
    A defined portion of a chromosome that can be flipped during an inversion, altering its orientation.
  • Orientation
    The directionality of a chromosome segment, which is reversed in an inversion event.