Difference between euploidy and aneuploidy
What is euploidy?
Euploidy refers to the presence of a normal and complete number of chromosomes in a cell. This means that there are two copies of each homologous chromosome. Most species, including humans, are euploid.
What is aneuploidy?
Aneuploidy, on the other hand, refers to an alteration in the normal number of chromosomes in a cell. This means that there are an abnormal number of chromosomes, either fewer or more than there should be.
Types of aneuploidy
- Monosomy: a cell that lacks a chromosome.
- Trisomy: a cell that has an extra copy of a chromosome.
- Polyploidy: A cell that has three or more complete sets of chromosomes.
What are the causes of aneuploidy?
Aneuploidy can be caused by errors in cell division, such as failure to properly separate homologous chromosomes during meiosis. It can also be caused by problems during fertilization, such as the union of an egg with two sperm.
What are the effects of aneuploidy?
Aneuploidy can have serious effects on the development and functioning of an organism. In humans, fetuses with aneuploidies may not develop correctly and may lead to genetic diseases such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome.
Conclusion
In short, euploidy refers to a normal number of chromosomes in a cell, while aneuploidy refers to an abnormal number of chromosomes. Aneuploidy can be caused by errors in cell division or problems during fertilization, and can have serious effects on the development and functioning of an organism.