What is the Difference Between Paracentric and Pericentric Inversion?

The main difference between paracentric and pericentric inversions lies in the involvement of the centromere in the rearrangement process. Both paracentric and pericentric inversions are types of chromosomal rearrangements where small segments of chromosomes break, rotate about 180°, and reattach themselves. Here are the key differences between the two:

Paracentric Inversion: In this type of inversion, the centromere is not involved in the rearrangement process. The breaks occur in the same arm of the chromosome, and the segment reattaches itself in the reverse direction. Paracentric inversions do not typically cause major issues, but they can lead to fertility problems or delayed pregnancy.
Pericentric Inversion: In contrast to paracentric inversions, pericentric inversions involve the centromere in the rearrangement process. One break occurs in the short 'p' arm, and the other occurs in the long 'q' arm of the chromosome. Pericentric inversions can change the relative lengths of the chromosome arms above and below the centromere. These inversions may have milder effects than other chromosomal disorders, but altered gene orientation can result in functional changes and aberrant levels of gene products.

In summary, paracentric inversions do not involve the centromere and occur in only one arm of the chromosome, while pericentric inversions involve the centromere and occur in both arms of the chromosome. The involvement of the centromere in pericentric inversions can lead to more significant changes in the chromosome structure and potential functional consequences.

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What is the Difference Between Paracentric and Pericentric Inversion?

Comparative Table: Paracentric vs Pericentric Inversion

Here is a table comparing the differences between paracentric and pericentric inversions:

Feature	Paracentric Inversion	Pericentric Inversion
Definition	A type of inversion in which the centromere is not involved.	A type of inversion which involves the centromere.
Occurrence	Occurs in only one arm of the chromosome.	Occurs in both arms of the chromosome.
Arrangement	The broken segment always arranges itself in the reverse direction.	There is no hard and fast rule for the arrangement of broken segments.
Centromere	Centromere is located outside the inversion loop.	Centromere is located inside the inversion loop.

In both paracentric and pericentric inversions, a chromosomal segment breaks, rotates about 180°, and reattaches itself. However, paracentric inversions do not involve the centromere and occur in only one arm of the chromosome, while pericentric inversions involve the centromere and occur in both arms of the chromosome.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.