Why Is Aneuploidy Important?

Mono-chromosomal hybrids and naturally occurring aneuploid cells represent alteration in gene dosage as well as chromosome number. These can be important tools in the understanding of the complex molecular genetic mechanisms for the maintenance of gene dosage, epigenetic modifications and chromosome territories.

How is aneuploidy important in humans?

Aneuploidy is the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes and is highly prevalent in human gametes. Indeed, aneuploidy is the leading genetic cause of spontaneous miscarriage and congenital birth defects in our species.

Can aneuploidy be beneficial?

How is aneuploidy beneficial? As with the detrimental consequences of aneuploidy, most of the growth-advantageous properties of aneuploidy likely result from changes in gene copy number. In particular, many benefits of aneuploidy can apparently be explained by the change in copy number of one or a few genes.