Final answer:
Chromosome duplications can be problematic, causing developmental and genetic disorders due to an imbalance in gene dosage. Down syndrome is a prime example of such disorders caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. Duplications can lead to severe physical and intellectual disabilities, and complications in reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Can Chromosome Duplications Cause Problems?
Yes, chromosome duplications can cause problems for an organism. When a segment of DNA is repeated, leading to multiple copies of genes on the chromosome, it can result in developmental and genetic disorders. Disorders like Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, are caused by such duplications in which there are three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. The presence of an extra chromosome or an additional copy of one can disrupt normal development and function due to an imbalance in gene dosage and the subsequent alteration in cell biology. Nondisjunction, which is the failure of chromosomes to separate adequately during meiosis, leads to these duplications or aneuploidy, which can be lethal or result in viable offspring with genetic disorders.
While some duplications may be relatively harmless if the duplicated genes are not crucial for survival, many others can cause severe phenotypic effects. These effects could range from physical malformations to intellectual disabilities, depending on which genes and regulatory elements are involved. Chromosomal disorders are often identified through diagnostic testing such as karyotyping.
Furthermore, chromosomal duplications can also introduce issues during reproduction, hinder fertility, and increase the likelihood of the problems being passed on to the next generation if the individual survives to reproduction age.