Chromosomes & Heredity

Chromosomes are the structures within cells that contain the genetic material, or DNA, which carries the instructions for growth, development, and function. Chromosomal abnormalities, where the number or structure of chromosomes is altered, can lead to genetic disorders that are often passed down through families. Numerical chromosomal abnormalities, such as having an extra or missing chromosome, are relatively common and can cause conditions like Down syndrome, trisomy 13, and trisomy 18. Structural chromosomal abnormalities, where part of a chromosome is missing, duplicated, or rearranged, can also have significant clinical consequences and may be identified through specialized genetic testing.