Changes in the chromosome structure can cause problems with growth, development, and function of the body’s system. Structural changes can occur at any stage of the reproductive cells, such as the formation stage, foetal stage or in any cell after birth. These changes can affect many genes along the chromosomes, and can influence DNA segments to be rearranged within the chromosomes or be transferred to neighbouring chromosomes. The impact of the structural change depends on the size, location where the gene function is interrupted.

Some of the changes can lead to health issues, while others may not have a significant effect on a person’s health.