Chromosomal Instability

**Semantic type:** Cell or Molecular Dysfunction

**Definition:** The instability of chromosomes is attributed to the continuous formation of novel chromosome mutations. These mutations form at an elevated rate in comparison to the normal cell population. The increased frequency of structural chromosome aberrations can be caused by an abnormally high incidence of DNA double-strand breaks and translocations. Screening for chromosomal breakage and rearrangement is used as a diagnostic tool in Fanconi anemia.

**Synonyms:** - Chromosome Instability