Entry courtesy of
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

Deletion

A particular kind of mutation: loss of a piece of DNA from a chromosome. Deletion of a gene or part of a gene can lead to a disease or abnormality.
Audio (launches external player)
Dr. William Pavan, of the National Human Genome Research Institute's Laboratory of Genetic Disease Research, defines deletion.

Related Terms

chromosome, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), gene, genome, mutation