Definition

A type of chromosome that has two identical arms because one arm has been lost and replaced by a copy of the other arm.

Example

The presence of an isochromosome can lead to genetic disorders.

Conversation

I was reading about genetics and came across the term isochromosome today.

Oh really? What does that mean?

It's an abnormal chromosome where one arm is replaced by an exact copy of the other arm.

That sounds fascinating! I love learning about chromosomes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Isochromosome → It is formed from "iso-" (from Greek "isos", meaning equal) and "chromosome" (from Greek "chroma", meaning color, and "soma", meaning body). The word describes a chromosome that has identical arms, hence the term equal body of color.

Memory Tip

Think of 'equal' ('iso-') parts of a 'body' ('soma') that are the same color ('chroma') — that's what an isochromosome is.

Visually Confused Words