What is the Difference Between Gene Mutation and Chromosome Mutation?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between gene mutation and chromosome mutation lies in the scope of the changes they produce in the DNA. Here are the key differences between the two:
Gene Mutation:
- Refers to a change in the nucleotide sequence in a particular gene.
- Affects only one gene.
- May be caused by errors in DNA replication or by exposure to mutagens such as chemicals or radiation.
- Usually results in only a minor structural alteration.
- Can sometimes be corrected.
- Diseases caused include cystic fibrosis, cancers, and hemophilia.
Chromosome Mutation:
- Refers to a change in the nucleotide sequence of a chromosomal segment, which includes several genes.
- Affects several genes.
- Caused by errors in crossing over during meiosis.
- Can result in significant and even lethal structural or numerical alterations in the whole DNA strand.
- Correcting the mutation can be complicated and difficult.
- Diseases caused include Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome.
There are different types of gene mutations, such as substitutions, insertions, and deletions. Chromosomal mutations can take the form of deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations.
Comparative Table: Gene Mutation vs Chromosome Mutation
Gene mutation and chromosome mutation are two types of genetic mutations that occur at different levels of the genetic code. Here is a table comparing the differences between them:
| Feature | Gene Mutation | Chromosome Mutation |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A permanent alteration of the nucleotide sequence of a gene. | A large-scale alteration of the chromosomes, where either the number or the structure of the chromosomes changes. |
| Level of Alteration | Occurs at the level of individual genes. | Affects large segments of DNA containing many genes. |
| Types of Mutations | Substitutions, insertions, deletions, or duplications of DNA sequences. | Deletions, translocations, duplications, and inversions. |
| Diseases Linked | Sickle-cell anemia, haemophilia, cystic fibrosis, Huntington syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, many cancers, and lactose intolerance. | Down syndrome, caused by translocations during meiosis. |
| Inheritance | Can be passed from parent to offspring when they occur in germ cells. | Can be deleterious, lethal, or even beneficial, depending on the specific mutation. |
Gene mutations are smaller-scale alterations that affect individual genes, while chromosome mutations involve larger-scale changes to the structure or number of chromosomes. The consequences of these mutations can vary, with some being neutral, deleterious, lethal, or even beneficial.
- Point Mutation vs Chromosomal Mutation
- Gene vs Chromosome
- Chromosomal Aberration vs Gene Mutation
- DNA vs Chromosome
- Plasmid vs Chromosome
- Chromatin vs Chromosomes
- Mutation vs Mutagen
- Mutation vs Recombination
- Chromosome vs Chromatid
- Genetic Disorders vs Chromosomal Disorders
- DNA Damage vs Mutation
- Mendelian vs Chromosomal Disorders
- SNP vs Mutation
- Male vs Female Chromosomes
- Plasmid DNA vs Chromosomal DNA
- Gene vs DNA
- Germline Mutation vs Somatic Mutation
- Gene vs Genome
- Cytogenetics vs Molecular Genetics