Nondisjunction (Noun)
Meaning
Meiosis in which there is a failure of paired homologous chromosomes to separate; results in an abnormal number of chromosomes in the daughter cells.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Nondisjunction is a type of error that can occur during meiosis, resulting in gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes.
- During meiosis I, a failure of nondisjunction in homologous chromosome separation can lead to trisomy in offspring.
- Chromosomal abnormalities caused by nondisjunction during meiosis are associated with genetic disorders such as Down syndrome.
- A major cause of birth defects and infertility, nondisjunction affects the number of chromosomes in gametes, which in turn can cause abnormalities in offspring.
- Meiotic nondisjunction, specifically during the first meiotic division, often leads to chromosomal aneuploidy, or having an abnormal number of chromosomes in the daughter cells.