Which term describes a condition in which a cell has an abnormal number of chromosomes?

Get more with Examzify Plus

Remove ads, unlock favorites, save progress, and access premium tools across devices.

FavoritesSave progressAd-free
From $9.99Learn more

Prepare for the HOSA Human Heredity Test with our comprehensive quizzes. Utilize engaging flashcards and interactive multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ensure you're ready to excel in your exam!

Aneuploidy describes a condition in which a cell has an abnormal number of chromosomes, specifically when it has either extra or missing chromosomes. This can lead to various genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. Aneuploidy occurs when there is a failure during cell division, resulting in an uneven distribution of chromosomes between daughter cells.

In contrast, polyploidy refers to cells that have more than two complete sets of chromosomes, while euploidy indicates a normal set of chromosomes, and diploidy specifically refers to the presence of two complete sets (one from each parent). Therefore, the context of chromosomal abnormalities is what distinctly defines aneuploidy, making it the correct choice for the condition described in the question.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy