Ring Chromosomes

Ring Chromosomes are formed when the two ends of a chromosome become joined or “fused.” This causes the chromosome to be a circular structure (a ring) rather than a long string-like structure.

A ring can form in this way and not have any deleted (missing) chromosomal material. All of the DNA and genes are there, they are just arranged or packaged in a different structure. A ring chromosome can also be formed when there is a “break” on one or both ends of the Chromosomes, and then the ends of the chromosome become joined or “fused.” In this kind of ring, some chromosomal material is deleted or missing.