Which term describes the result of improper sex cell division at the time of fertilization, due to inheritance of altered genes?

• A. Mutation
• B. Congenital
• C. Genetic
• D. Genetic and Congenital Disorders

Answer: (D)

When sex cells divide, they must evenly separate their chromosomes. If that separation goes wrong during meiosis (nondisjunction), the gamete ends up with too many or too few chromosomes. If such a gamete participates in fertilization, the resulting embryo has an abnormal chromosome number, leading to disorders that are rooted in the genes and present from birth. That combination—genetic changes that are present at birth due to inheritance or early development—fits the description of genetic and congenital disorders.

Mutations describe changes in DNA sequences but don’t by themselves specify the birth-related, inherited chromosomal imbalance described here. Congenital refers to conditions present at birth but doesn’t explicitly address the genetic origin. Genetic speaks to gene-related aspects but isn’t tied to the birth occurrence. The broader pairing of genetic and congenital disorders best captures the scenario described.