In
genetics, a
chromosome translocation is a
chromosome abnormality caused by rearrangement of parts between nonhomologous
chromosomes. A gene fusion may be created when the translocation joins two otherwise-separated genes, it is detected on
cytogenetics or a
karyotype of affected
cells. Translocations can be
balanced (in an even exchange of material with no genetic information extra or missing, and ideally full functionality) or
unbalanced (where the exchange of
chromosome material is unequal resulting in extra or missing
genes).