What does monosomy refer to?

Monosomy refers to the loss of a chromosome, meaning an individual has only one copy of a particular chromosome instead of the usual pair. This condition can lead to various developmental issues and genetic disorders because the missing chromosome can eliminate important genetic information that contributes to the organism's functioning. For example, Turner syndrome is a well-known condition associated with monosomy, where an individual has one X chromosome instead of two XX or XY chromosomes.

This understanding of monosomy is critical in genetics and cellular biology, as it highlights the importance of chromosomal balance for normal development and functionality. Knowing how monosomy contrasts with conditions like trisomy, where there is an extra chromosome copy, can help clarify genetic abnormalities and their potential impacts on health.