Which testing method does NOT detect balanced translocations?

Which testing method does NOT detect balanced translocations?

• A. Karyotyping
• B. CMA
• C. Next Generation sequencing
• D. Sanger sequencing

Answer: (B)

CMA, or chromosomal microarray analysis, is a technique predominantly used to detect copy number variations (CNVs) such as deletions or duplications in the genome. While it is highly effective at identifying unbalanced chromosomal abnormalities, it is not designed to detect balanced translocations. Balanced translocations involve a rearrangement of chromosomes that does not result in a gain or loss of genetic material, which is why CMA is ineffective for this purpose. Karyotyping, in contrast, can identify both balanced and unbalanced translocations since it provides a visual representation of chromosomes during cell division, allowing for the observation of structural alterations. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) can also identify various types of genetic alterations but is less commonly utilized in the detection of balanced translocations specifically. Sanger sequencing, meanwhile, is primarily used for pinpointing mutations rather than larger chromosomal rearrangements. Thus, among the testing methods, CMA is the one that does not detect balanced translocations.

CMA, or chromosomal microarray analysis, is a technique predominantly used to detect copy number variations (CNVs) such as deletions or duplications in the genome. While it is highly effective at identifying unbalanced chromosomal abnormalities, it is not designed to detect balanced translocations. Balanced translocations involve a rearrangement of chromosomes that does not result in a gain or loss of genetic material, which is why CMA is ineffective for this purpose.

Karyotyping, in contrast, can identify both balanced and unbalanced translocations since it provides a visual representation of chromosomes during cell division, allowing for the observation of structural alterations. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) can also identify various types of genetic alterations but is less commonly utilized in the detection of balanced translocations specifically. Sanger sequencing, meanwhile, is primarily used for pinpointing mutations rather than larger chromosomal rearrangements. Thus, among the testing methods, CMA is the one that does not detect balanced translocations.