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nondisjunction

American  
[non-dis-juhngk-shuhn] / ˌnɒn dɪsˈdʒʌŋk ʃən /

noun

Biology.
  1. the failure of chromosomes to separate and segregate into daughter cells at division.


nondisjunction British  
/ ˌnɒndɪsˈdʒʌŋkʃən /

noun

  1. the failure of paired homologous chromosomes to move to opposite poles of the cell during meiosis

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of nondisjunction

First recorded in 1910–15; non- + disjunction

Vocabulary lists containing nondisjunction

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The M checkpoint ensures the proper duplication of DNA and if it fails, the cells may undergo nondisjunction of chromosomes.

From Textbooks Jun. 9, 2022

Blocking glycolysis in RBCs interrupts the process of mitosis leading to nondisjunction.

From Textbooks Jun. 9, 2022

Because they force chromosomes to assume unnatural topologies during meiosis, inversions and translocations are often associated with reduced fertility because of the likelihood of nondisjunction.

From Textbooks Jun. 9, 2022

Cells are more likely to make mistakes as we age due to an increase in the nondisjunction of cells during cell division, which is the reason for the occurrence of Down syndrome.

From Textbooks Jun. 9, 2022

The most common cause of trisomy 21 is chromosomal nondisjunction during meiosis.

From Textbooks Jun. 19, 2013

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