In genetics, what is translocation?

Translocation in genetics refers specifically to the process where a segment of a chromosome is relocated to a different chromosome. This can occur during cell division when chromosomes are improperly sorted, leading to a segment of one chromosome breaking off and attaching to another chromosome. This can have significant implications, as it can result in genetic disorders or contribute to the development of cancer by altering gene expression or leading to imbalances in genetic material.

The other choices describe different genetic phenomena: the reversal of a segment within the same chromosome is known as an inversion, while duplication involves the production of extra copies of a segment, affecting gene dosage and potentially leading to overexpression. The separation of alleles during gamete formation is known as segregation, a fundamental aspect of inheritance described by Mendel. Understanding each of these processes helps clarify how various genetic alterations can affect organisms on both phenotypic and genotypic levels.