Final answer:
A translocation is the type of chromosomal mutation that occurs when a DNA segment breaks off from one chromosome and attaches to a nonhomologous chromosome.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a piece of DNA breaks off from a chromosome and attaches itself to a nonhomologous chromosome at another location, the type of chromosomal mutation that has occurred is called a translocation. This type of rearrangement can be benign or have significant effects on an organism’s development and health. Specifically, a reciprocal translocation involves the exchange of segments between two nonhomologous chromosomes without any gain or loss of genetic information, which can lead to disorders if it disrupts important regulatory sequences or genes.
Translocation means a change in location. It often refers to genetics, when part of a chromosome is transferred to another chromosome. Chromosomes are structures that carry genes, our units of heredity. When this type of translocation occurs, it can cause flaws in chromosomes.
In another type of translocation, two chromosomes trade pieces with each other.
Genetic translocations can cause serious disorders, including a type of leukemia.