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31.1: Introduction

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    148893
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    When errors occur during meiosis, they can be passed on to the next generation. During Meiosis, chromosomes normally separate so that each gamete receives one copy of each chromosome. However, in nondisjunction, chromosomes fail to sort properly. The most well-known example is nondisjunction of chromosome 21, which results in a gamete with an extra copy of chromosome 21. When this gamete combines with a normal gamete during fertilization, the resulting embryo has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two, a condition known as trisomy 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features characteristic of Down syndrome.


    31.1: Introduction is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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