Deletion (genetics)

Deletion (genetics)

Deletion is a type of mutation that results in the removal of genetic material. It can be small, affecting a single gene, or large, affecting a whole chromosome.

Pronunciation

Deletion is pronounced as /dɪˈliːʃ(ə)n/.

Etymology

The term "deletion" comes from the Latin word deletio, meaning "a blotting out or erasing".

Description

In genetics, a deletion (also called gene deletion, deficiency, or deletion mutation) is a mutation (a genetic aberration) in which a part of a chromosome or a sequence of DNA is left out during DNA replication. Any number of nucleotides can be deleted, from a single base to an entire piece of chromosome. Deletions can be caused by errors in chromosomal crossover during meiosis, which causes several serious genetic diseases.

Types of Deletion

Deletions are often classified into two types:

• Terminal Deletion: A deletion that occurs towards the end of a chromosome.
• Interstitial Deletion: A deletion that occurs from the interior of a chromosome.

Related Terms

• Mutation
• Chromosome
• DNA
• Nucleotide
• Chromosomal crossover
• Meiosis

See Also

• Insertion (genetics)
• Duplication (genetics)
• Inversion (genetics)
• Translocation (genetics)

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Deletion (genetics)
• Wikipedia's article - Deletion (genetics)

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