What does monosomy refer to in genetic terms?

Monosomy in genetic terms specifically refers to the condition where a specific chromosome is missing from the organism's normal diploid set. In humans, for instance, most cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes, but in monosomy, one of those pairs is lacking one chromosome, leading to only one chromosome instead of the usual two. This absence can lead to various developmental abnormalities and is associated with certain genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome, where there is a missing X chromosome. Understanding monosomy is fundamental in genetics as it highlights how chromosomal abnormalities can affect an organism's health and development.