Chromosomal Mutations

Deletion: loss of a piece of DNA from a chromosome. Deletion of a gene or part of a gene can lead to a disease or abnormality.

Duplication: production of one or more copies of any piece of DNA, including a gene or even an entire chromosome.

Insertion: a type of chromosomal abnormality in which a DNA sequence is inserted into a gene, disrupting the normal structure and function of that gene.

Translocation: breakage and removal of a large segment of DNA from one chromosome, followed by the segment's attachment to a different chromosome.

Sources:  image from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Genetic Illustrations; definitions from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Glossary of Genetic Terms