1. Deletion: A segment of a chromosome is lost. This can be a small portion of a gene, a complete gene, or even a large part of a chromosome. Deletions can lead to a variety of health problems, depending on the size and location of the deleted segment.
2. Duplication: A segment of a chromosome is duplicated. This can result in an extra copy of a gene or even an entire set of genes. Duplications can also lead to health problems, though they can sometimes be beneficial.
3. Inversion: A segment of a chromosome is flipped around. This can disrupt the order of genes on the chromosome. Inversions can be harmless, but they can also lead to problems with fertility or development.
4. Translocation: A segment of a chromosome is moved to a different location on the same chromosome or to a different chromosome entirely. This can disrupt the expression of genes on both chromosomes involved. Translocations can lead to various health problems, including cancer.
It's important to note that these are just the most common types of chromosome structural changes. There are other, more complex changes that can occur.