Which of the following best describes chromosomal mutations?

Chromosomal mutations involve changes to the structure or number of chromosomes and can manifest in several ways, including duplication, deletion, inversion, and translocation. The option highlighting duplication and translocation accurately encompasses two of these key processes, illustrating that chromosomal mutations can involve more complex alterations than simple deletions.

Duplication refers to a segment of a chromosome being copied, leading to an increase in gene dosage and potentially new traits. Translocation, on the other hand, involves sections of chromosomes swapping places or being relocated to different chromosomes, which can result in gene fusion or disruption. These processes are fundamental to understanding how genetic diversity arises and can lead to various biological consequences, including evolution or certain genetic disorders.

The other provided options do not accurately represent the broad nature of chromosomal mutations. For instance, the assertion that they are always harmless does not consider that many chromosomal mutations can lead to serious genetic disorders or cancer. Limiting mutations to deletion ignores the significant processes like duplication and translocation. Furthermore, the notion that chromosomal mutations occur only in germ cells neglects the fact that they can also arise in somatic cells, leading to unique cellular characteristics or diseases. Therefore, recognizing that chromosomal mutations include processes like duplication and translocation provides a clearer