Aneuploidy

Aneuploidy is a state of having an abnormal number of tightly coiled DNA molecules, called chromosomes, rather than the normal 23 pairs or 46 chromosomes. The abnormal number can be greater or smaller than the normal number of chromosomes. Aneuploidy results in various genetic disorders that have been present since birth. Examples of such disorders include Down syndrome, Turner’s syndrome, and sex chromosome disorders. An aneuploid cell is formed during the period when the cell is dividing and its chromosomes haven’t yet parted completely.