Question

Define the following terms : (a) Gene flow (b) Chromosomal aberrations

Hint:

Remember the difference: \textbf{Gene flow} is like people moving between towns, mixing up the local populations. \textbf{Genetic drift} is a random change in a population, like if a certain family in a small town happens to have more children by chance. Gene flow makes populations more similar, while genetic drift can make them different.

Answer 1

Genetic Concepts

1. Gene flow: Also known as gene migration, gene flow is the transfer of genetic material from one population to another. When individuals from different populations interbreed, they introduce new alleles into the recipient population and can change the frequency of existing alleles. Gene flow generally reduces genetic differences between populations.
2. Chromosomal aberrations: These are changes in the normal structure or number of chromosomes, which may result in genetic disorders. They can be classified into two types:
   • Numerical aberrations: A change in the number of chromosomes, such as:
     • Aneuploidy (e.g., Trisomy 21 causing Down syndrome).
     • Polyploidy (more than two sets of chromosomes).
   • Structural aberrations: A change in the structure of a chromosome, such as:
     • Deletion: Loss of a chromosome segment.
     • Duplication: Repetition of a chromosome segment.
     • Inversion: Reversal of a chromosome segment within the same chromosome.
     • Translocation: Movement of a segment to a non-homologous chromosome.