The following picture depicts which of the following changes in chromosome structure?

• A. Inversion
• B. Duplication
• C. Deletion
• D. Translocation

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions of the chromosome structure changes listed: Duplication is when a segment of the chromosome is copied and inserted, Deletion is when a segment is lost, Translocation is when a segment moves to a different chromosome, and Inversion is when a segment of a chromosome breaks off, flips around, and reattaches in the reverse orientation.
2. Step 2: Identify the key feature of an inversion: the order of genes or segments within the chromosome is reversed compared to the original sequence, but no genetic material is lost or gained.
3. Step 3: Examine the picture carefully to see if a segment of the chromosome appears reversed in orientation relative to the rest of the chromosome, without any missing or extra segments.
4. Step 4: Compare this observation with the definitions: if the segment is reversed but intact, it matches the description of an inversion rather than duplication, deletion, or translocation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the chromosome structure change depicted is an inversion because the segment is flipped in orientation within the same chromosome.