Chromosomal microarray is diagnostic testing that identifies __________ or _________.

Chromosomal microarray is diagnostic testing that identifies __________ or _________.

• A. microdeletions
• B. microduplications
• C. copy number variations
• D. microdeletions or microduplications

Answer: (D)

Chromosomal microarray looks for changes in copy number across the genome. These copy-number variations arise when pieces of DNA are missing (microdeletions) or extra (microduplications). Because CMA detects both deletions and duplications, the most accurate completion is microdeletions or microduplications. Note that CMA can’t detect balanced rearrangements or single-base mutations, which explains why the full concept is about deletions and duplications rather than other types of genetic changes.

Chromosomal microarray looks for changes in copy number across the genome. These copy-number variations arise when pieces of DNA are missing (microdeletions) or extra (microduplications). Because CMA detects both deletions and duplications, the most accurate completion is microdeletions or microduplications. Note that CMA can’t detect balanced rearrangements or single-base mutations, which explains why the full concept is about deletions and duplications rather than other types of genetic changes.