What are the differences between gene mutation and chromosome mutation?

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Accepted Answer

Gene mutation and chromosome mutation are two types of abnormalities that occur in an organism’s genome. There are several significant differences between the two types of mutations.

Basis of Differentiation

Gene mutation

Chromosome mutation

Definition

Refers to a change in the nucleotide sequence in a particular gene

Refers to a change in the nucleotide sequence of a chromosomal segment, which includes several genes

Cause

May be caused by errors in DNA replication or by exposure to mutagens such as chemicals or radiation

Caused by errors in crossing over during meiosis

Number of genes affected

Only one gene is affected

Several genes may be affected

Magnitude of change

Relatively low

Can be significant and even lethal

Nature of the mutation

Usually results in only a minor structural alteration

May result in structural or numerical alterations in the whole DNA strand

Ability to correct the mutation

Can be corrected sometimes

Correcting the mutation can be complicated and difficult

Diseases Caused

- Cystic fibrosis
- Cancers
- Hemophilia
- Sickle cell anemia

- Down syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- Klinefelter syndrome

Basis of Differentiation	Gene mutation	Chromosome mutation
Definition	Refers to a change in the nucleotide sequence in a particular gene	Refers to a change in the nucleotide sequence of a chromosomal segment, which includes several genes
Cause	May be caused by errors in DNA replication or by exposure to mutagens such as chemicals or radiation	Caused by errors in crossing over during meiosis
Number of genes affected	Only one gene is affected	Several genes may be affected
Magnitude of change	Relatively low	Can be significant and even lethal
Nature of the mutation	Usually results in only a minor structural alteration	May result in structural or numerical alterations in the whole DNA strand
Ability to correct the mutation	Can be corrected sometimes	Correcting the mutation can be complicated and difficult
Diseases Caused	Cystic fibrosis Cancers Hemophilia Sickle cell anemia	Down syndrome Turner syndrome Klinefelter syndrome

Basis of Differentiation

Gene mutation

Chromosome mutation

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