116k views
5 votes
How can a zygote receive an abnormal chromosome number?

User Tyeomans
by
4.1k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Step-by-step explanation:

Some chromosomal conditions are caused by changes in the number of chromosomes. These changes are not inherited, but occur as random events during the formation of reproductive cells (eggs and sperm). An error in cell division called nondisjunction results in reproductive cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes

Chromosome abnormalities often happen due to one or more of these: Errors during dividing of sex cells (meiosis) Errors during dividing of other cells (mitosis) Exposure to substances that cause birth defects (teratogens)

User Dreanmer
by
4.5k points