What type of translocation can lead to both monosomy and trisomy?

Robertsonian translocation is a specific type of chromosomal rearrangement that involves the fusion of two acrocentric chromosomes at their centromeres, resulting in a single chromosome. This fusion can lead to gametes that have an abnormal number of chromosomes during meiosis.

In the case of Robertsonian translocations, the individual carrying the translocation typically retains a normal phenotype because they have a balanced arrangement of genetic material. However, when they produce gametes, there may be an imbalance in the chromosomes due to the way the chromosomes segregate. Some gametes may end up with one less chromosome (monosomy) while others may have an extra chromosome (trisomy) resulting from the fusion chromosome.

This mechanism explains how Robertsonian translocations can lead to both monosomy and trisomy in the offspring, making it unique in this regard compared to other types of translocations, which do not typically result in such a range of aneuploidy.