A condition wherein two or more cell populations with different genotypes exist in an organism, derived from a single zygote, as a result of experimental manipulation or to faulty distribution of genetic material during mitosis.


For example is the rare condition wherein some cells of the body of a patient have XX chromosomes while other cells have XY chromosomes. Another example is the 46/47 XY/XXY mosaic in which the individual contains two sets of cell populations: (1) a population of cells with the normal 46 number of chromosomes and XY genetic constitution, and (2) a cell population with 47 chromosomes and XXY genetic consititution.

Word origin: mosaic + -ism


Compare: chimerism

See also: sex chromosome

Related term:

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