Using examples to explain the differences between euploidy and aneuploidy?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Euploidy refers to a condition where a cell has one or more complete sets of chromosomes.
Aneuploidy refers to a condition where a cell has an abnormal number of chromosomes, either missing or having extra individual chromosomes, but not whole sets.
Explanation (with examples, without using the word “we”):
In genetics, chromosome number plays a critical role in the health and development of organisms. Two terms often used to describe abnormalities or variations in chromosome number are euploidy and aneuploidy, each with distinct meanings.
Euploidy is a condition in which the chromosome number is an exact multiple of the haploid number (the number of chromosomes in a gamete). For example, in humans, the haploid number is 23. A diploid cell (2 sets) has 46 chromosomes, which is normal. However, in some plants, triploidy (3n = 69 chromosomes) or tetraploidy (4n = 92 chromosomes) can occur and still be classified as euploid because the entire set is duplicated or multiplied. In agriculture, triploid bananas and seedless watermelons are common examples of euploidy. These organisms may be sterile but are useful commercially due to desirable traits like seedlessness.
Aneuploidy, on the other hand, involves the gain or loss of one or more individual chromosomes, but not entire sets. This typically leads to genetic disorders in animals and humans. For instance, Down syndrome is caused by trisomy 21, where an individual has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Another example is Turner syndrome, where an individual has only one X chromosome (monosomy X) instead of two sex chromosomes.
In summary, euploidy involves whole sets of chromosomes being added or duplicated, whereas aneuploidy involves the presence of an abnormal number of individual chromosomes, often leading to developmental disorders or sterility.
