Balanced rearrangements are structural changes in chromosomes that involve the exchange of genetic material without any net loss or gain of genetic information. Common types include translocations and inversions.
Translocations: A segment of one chromosome is transferred to another chromosome. If the exchange is reciprocal, it is termed a reciprocal translocation. Inversions: A chromosome segment is reversed end to end. This can occur in two forms: pericentric (involving the centromere) and paracentric (not involving the centromere).
Despite the lack of genetic material loss, balanced rearrangements can disrupt gene function if a breakpoint occurs within a gene or its regulatory elements.
