Mosaicism is a condition in which cells within the same person have a different genetic makeup. This condition can affect any type of cell, including:

• Blood cells
• Egg and sperm cells (gametes)
• Skin cells

Chromosomal mosaicism; Gonadal mosaicism

Mosaicism is caused by an error in cell division very early in the development of the unborn baby.

Examples of mosaicism include:

• Mosaic Down Syndrome
• Mosaic Klinefelter Syndrome
• Mosaic Turner Syndrome

Review Date: 12/01/2010
Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)