The presence of different chromosome numbers in different body cells. In humans, some contain 46 chromosomes, while others contain 47 chromosomes.
Condition in which an organism contains two or more cell populations that differ in genetic makeup.
An anomaly of chromosome division resulting in two or more types of cells containing different numbers of chromosomes; also, the occurrence of two or more genetically distinct cell lines in a single organism. Mosaicism may occur normally, as in the case of certain sex-linked genetic traits, or pathologically, as a result of gene mutation.
A condition in which the cells of an individual do not all contain identical chromosomes; there may be two or more genetically different populations of cells. Often one of the cell populations is normal and the other carries a chromosome defect such as Down’s syndrome or Turner’s syndrome. In affected individuals the chromosome defect is usually not fully expressed.
The term mosaicism describes a condition in which a substantial minority of cells in an individual’s body differ from the majority in their chromosome content. Mosaicism can cause disorders such as down’s syndrome and turner’s syndrome. The proportion and type of abnormal cells affect the physical appearance of the affected individual. This may range from normal to the features typical of people with a chromosomal-abnormality syndrome.
Presence of cells of two different genetic materials in the same individual.
A genetic disorder arising from mutations, crossing over events, or errors in chromosome separation during cellular division, leading to an alteration in the chromosome count within cells.
The existence of multiple cell groups with varied genetic content within a single individual.
Individuals with conditions resulting from chromosomal irregularities, like Down’s syndrome and Turner’s syndrome, may also exhibit mosaicism. Depending on the percentage and nature of the abnormal cells, their appearance can vary from looking typical to showing characteristic features of the syndrome.