Final answer:
Reciprocal translocations, also known as balanced translocations, do not change the total amount of genetic material.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reciprocal translocations are also called balanced translocations, because they do not change the total amount of genetic material.
When a reciprocal translocation occurs, a segment of DNA is transferred from one chromosome to another nonhomologous chromosome. This exchange results in no gain or loss of genetic information.
For example, if a segment of chromosome 1 is exchanged with a segment of chromosome 2, both chromosomes retain the same total amount of genetic material, but the position of the genes on the chromosomes is altered.