What is a deletion in terms of chromosome change?

In genetics, a deletion refers specifically to a type of chromosomal mutation where a segment of the chromosome is lost or removed. This can impact the organism in various ways, depending on the genes located within the deleted segment. Deletions can lead to loss of function of genes, which can affect protein production and result in various phenotypic changes.

Understanding deletions is critical in the context of genetic disorders, as certain conditions arise from the loss of specific gene sequences. This contrasts with other types of chromosome changes, such as adding segments (insertions), flipping segments (inversions), or copying segments (duplications), which all involve modifications that do not represent a loss of genetic material. Therefore, recognizing that deletion specifically denotes the removal of genetic information clarifies its distinct role in genetics.