What happens when a segment of a chromosome inverts?
Chromosome inversion is another form of genetic transition. When chromosomes invert, some of the alleles switch loci on the same chromosome. Inversion is different from crossing over in this respect. Recall that during crossing over, two alleles switch chromosomes. In inversion, the order of alleles on a chromosome changes, however, the allele does not switch to a different chromosome.
What is the mechanism of chromosome inversion?
The mechanism that allows for the inversion involves ionizing radiation that causes the chromosome to break into two or three pieces. Once the chromosome has severed, it will then reattach itself. The reattachment is what puts the chromosome through a transition. When the separated piece of the chromosome reattaches, it is sometimes flipped, changing the order of the alleles.
During inversion, "a chromosome segement is clipped out, turned upside down and reinserted back into the chromosome" (MedicineNet.com). Although the order of alleles changes after inversion has taken place, the genetic makeup is remains unharmed as long as all of the genes that were temporarily segregated from the chromosome are replaced and not lost during the process.
Inversion is caused by a) radiation causing the chromosome to break or b) two chromosomes entangling causing one to break?
Created By: Chelsea K. Lattas