What does duplication mean in genetic terms?

In genetic terms, duplication refers specifically to the repetition of a segment in a genetic sequence. This means that a particular segment of DNA is copied, resulting in multiple copies of that segment being present on a chromosome or in a genome. Such duplications can affect gene dosage, leading to variations in how traits are expressed and potentially contributing to evolutionary changes.

Duplication can occur through various mechanisms, such as unequal crossing over during meiosis or replication errors, and can have significant implications for genetic diversity and development. This makes the concept of duplication essential to understanding genetic variation and the processes that drive evolution.