Microdeletion

Microdeletion

Microdeletion (pronounced: mi·​cro·​de·​le·​tion) is a term in Genetics that refers to a deletion of a small chromosomal segment, typically less than 5 million base pairs (Mbp).

Etymology

The term "Microdeletion" is derived from the Greek word "micros" meaning small, and the Latin word "deletio" meaning to destroy. It was first used in the late 20th century to describe small, missing pieces of DNA that were not visible under a microscope.

Related Terms

• Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
• Gene: A unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.
• Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
• Genetic Disorder: A genetic problem caused by one or more abnormalities in the genome, especially a condition that is present from birth.
• Deletion (genetics): A mutation (a genetic aberration) in which a part of a chromosome or a sequence of DNA is missing.

See Also

• Microduplication
• Chromosomal Abnormalities
• Genetic Testing

References

• Genetics Home Reference
• National Human Genome Research Institute

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Microdeletion
• Wikipedia's article - Microdeletion

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.

---

Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski