Question

Distinguish among three types of translocations.

Short answer

Chromosomal Translocations are rearrangements between nonhomologous chromosomes. They come in three types: Reciprocal translocation which involves the exchange of parts between two different chromosomes, Robertsonian translocation where two acrocentric chromosomes fuse near the centromere region with loss of the short arms and Insertional translocation where a segment from one chromosome is moved to a nonhomologous chromosome.

Step-by-step solution

- Definition of Chromosomal Translocations

Start by defining what Chromosomal Translocations are. They are rearrangements of parts between nonhomologous chromosomes.

- Reciprocal Translocation

Discuss Reciprocal Translocation. This type involves exchange of sections between two nonhomologous chromosomes. In this case, there are no gains or losses of genetic material, but genes end up in new locations.

- Robertsonian Translocation

Next, discuss Robertsonian Translocation. In this type, two acrocentric chromosomes (chromosomes with the centromere near one end) fuse near the centromere region with loss of the short arms.

- Insertional Translocation

Lastly, talk about Insertional Translocation. Here, a segment from one chromosome is moved and inserted into a nonhomologous chromosome.