Spina bifida is associated with genetic abnormalities including trisomies 13, 18, and 21. Which chromosomal category is implicated?

Spina bifida is associated with genetic abnormalities including trisomies 13, 18, and 21. Which chromosomal category is implicated?

• A. Trisomies 13, 18, 21
• B. Monosomies
• C. Deletions
• D. Inversions

Answer: (A)

Trisomies are when an extra copy of a chromosome is present, so there are three copies instead of two. When this happens with chromosomes 13, 18, or 21, it leads to Patau, Edwards, and Down syndromes, respectively. Since the scenario mentions trisomies 13, 18, and 21 as associated with spina bifida, the chromosomal category involved is trisomies. In contrast, monosomies involve missing an entire chromosome, deletions remove part of a chromosome, and inversions are rearrangements of a chromosome segment.

Trisomies are when an extra copy of a chromosome is present, so there are three copies instead of two. When this happens with chromosomes 13, 18, or 21, it leads to Patau, Edwards, and Down syndromes, respectively. Since the scenario mentions trisomies 13, 18, and 21 as associated with spina bifida, the chromosomal category involved is trisomies. In contrast, monosomies involve missing an entire chromosome, deletions remove part of a chromosome, and inversions are rearrangements of a chromosome segment.