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​Monosomy

updated: March 28, 2024

Definition

Monosomy refers to the condition in which only one chromosome from a pair is present in cells rather than the two copies usually found in diploid cells. When cells have one chromosome from a pair plus a portion of the second chromosome, this is referred to as partial monosomy. Monosomy, or partial monosomy, causes certain human diseases such as Turner syndrome and Cri du chat syndrome.

 Monosomy


Narration

Monosomy. Formally, monosomy refers to the status of a cellular genome where one copy of a chromosome pair is absent. The term has also been expanded to situations where a segment of a chromosome, perhaps even just a single gene, is absent from a copy of a chromosome.

Leslie Biesecker
Leslie G. Biesecker, M.D.

Director & NIH Distinguished Investigator

Center for Precision Health Research