Question

Failure of chromatids to segregate during cell division cycle results in:

• A. Polyploidy
• B. Euploidy
• C. Aneuploidy
• D. Autopolyploidy

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Improper segregation of chromatids during cell division leads to daughter cells with an aberrant chromosome count. This event is termed "nondisjunction." Nondisjunction can precipitate a condition known as "aneuploidy," characterized by cells possessing an abnormal number of chromosomes. The specific medical implications of aneuploidy are contingent upon the chromosomes affected.

To clarify why aneuploidy is the precise term, let us distinguish it from related concepts:

• Polyploidy: This refers to cells containing more than two complete chromosome sets (e.g., triploidy, tetraploidy). While prevalent in plants, it is typically non-viable in animals.
• Euploidy: This denotes the state of having a complete set of chromosomes, representing the standard chromosomal composition for an organism.
• Autopolyploidy: A subtype of polyploidy where all constituent chromosome sets originate from the same species, resulting in multiple copies of the same genome.

Based on these definitions, "aneuploidy" accurately describes the failure of chromatids to segregate correctly, resulting in cells with either absent or surplus chromosomes.