What Is A Derivative Chromosome?

The term derivative chromosome is used to refer to an abnormal type of chromosome that consists of or comprises segments belonging to two or more chromosomes being joined together de to insertion, rearrangement or translocation. It is not necessary that a derivative chromosome was formed from two or more chromosomes as it can also be the result of multiple aberrations that are present within a single chromosome. For instance it can be a deletion or inversion of the same chromosome or it may be a result of both arms of a single chromosome having deletions. The term "derivative chromosome" necessarily refers to chromosomes that are characterised by an intact centromere. A chromosome is a large individual DNA macromolecule and consists of a physically organized form of cell DNA.