Balanced translocation

This is an error in the genetic code that is caused by the breaking off and reattaching of different chromosomes. A balanced translocation carrier is completely healthy, but his sex cells (eggs or sperm) contain defective chromosomes with missing or redundant genetic information. For this reason, there is a higher probability that this ‘carrier’ will have a child with some degree of disability or that the pregnancy will end in miscarriage. Genetic testing can determine whether a person has balanced translocation or not.