Question

The exchange of segments of two non-homologous pair of chromosomes is termed as:
A. Crossing over
B. Linkage
C. Transformation
D. Translocation

Answer 1

Homologous chromosomes or homologs are a set paired up chromosomes, each from the paternal and maternal chromosomes, and these pair up during the process of fertilization. Non- homologous or heterologous chromosomes refer to any two random chromosomes which are different; it can be either in terms of the loci present or in the gene sequences.

Complete answer: When there is an exchange of segments between two non-homologous pairs of chromosomes the process is known as translocation. This process usually occurs as a chromosomal abnormality, where the part of a chromosome breaks off and gets fused to another different chromosome. It is frequently seen in disease conditions such as leukemia.
Considering the other options:
-Crossing over: When there is an exchange of segments between two sisters or homologous chromosomes, the process is known as crossing over. It occurs during the process of fertilization. The process results in recombinant chromosomes and acts as the final step in genetic recombination.
-Linkage: The tendency of two chromosomes to get inherited together even after the process of meiosis.
-Transformation: This process happens naturally in prokaryotic cells such as bacterial cells. It is the process that results in the alteration of genetic materials.
Thus from the options given above, the most appropriate answer to the question is option D, exchange of segments between two non-homologous chromosomes is known as translocation.

Note: One of the major diseases caused due to translocations of chromosomes is leukemia, which is a chronic disease. This is one of the main processes involved in mutations. It is a chronic disease, which is involved in the production of faulty blood cells.