Balanced translocations

Balanced translocations are errors in the genetic code, which are caused by the breaking and switching of parts of different chromosomes (DNA carriers). In cells with a balanced translocation, there is no missing or redundant genetic information, which is why the parent is completely healthy. However, their gametes (eggs or sperms) have defective chromosomes with missing or redundant genetic information. A fusion of such damaged gametes results in the creation of an embryo with imbalanced translocation, which ends either in miscarriage or the birth of a disabled child.