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What are chromosomes?

Updated: 10/31/2022
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Wiki User

6y ago

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Basically is genetic info.

Different organisms have different types of chromosomes.

In bacteria (prokaryotic cells) a chromosome consists of a loop of DNA; it has no end. Along the length of the DNA are segments called genes, which contain information that the cell uses for growth and development. Most bacteria have only one chromosome, but some have more (the cholera organism Vibrio cholerae has two).

In eukaryotic cells, chromosomes are linear (they have two ends). The DNA is associated with proteins called histones. There is always more than one chromosome in a eukaryotic cell. After cell division and before DNA replication, there is only one molecule of DNA in each chromosome. After DNA replication, there are two DNA molecules in each chromosome; these are separated at the next cell division. In higher organisms, including humans, genes make up only part of the DNA. * * *

A chromosome is a single large macromolecule of DNA, and constitutes a physically organized form of DNA in a cell. It is a very long, continuous piece of DNA. * * * A chromosome refers to the colored thread observed localized within the nucleus. It is the genetic information carrier, and it may be extended (in interphase) or highly condensed (during mitosis or meiosis). The number of chromosomes is species-specific and if any alteration occurs it leads to disease condition or move forward towards evolution. In humans the total number of chromosomes is 46 or 23 pairs; mouse has 44 or 22 pairs; Onion - 16 or 8 pairs; Drosophila - 8 or 4 pairs. A chromosome after DNA replication has a pair of threads called chromatids held together by a primary constriction called a centromere. Chromatids consists of supersolenoid and scaffold structure followed by solenoid structure. Solenoid structure is formed by compaction of polynucleotides bound by histones and non-histone proteins. It leads to a fundamental structure called a nucleosome which consists of a nucleic acid part and a protein part. The protein part consists of positively-charged histones rich in lysine, arginine, and glycine. Histones consists of core subunit made of octamer made of 2 copies of H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. Linker histone H1 connects 2 nucleosomes. Chromosomes are classified based on various criteria: 1) The chromosomes which are common to both males and females are referred to as autosomes or body chromosomes and the chromosomes which determine the sex of an organism are called sex chromosome or allosomes (look dissimilar). In humans we have 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes (X and Y chromosomes). 2) Classified based on the position of centromere or primary constriction. The either sides of the centromere is referred to as arms (p- petite or short arm; q - quadran or long arm). When p=q (V shaped) - metacentric chromosome; When p<=q (L shaped) - submetacentric chromosome;When p<<< 3) Chromosomes are classified based on the banding pattern. Human chromosomes are classified into 7 groups A - G. A - 1-3; B - 4,5; C - 6-12, X; D - 13-15; E - 16 - 18; F - 19, 20; G - 21, 22, Y. Humans do not have any telocentric chromosomes. He has 5 pairs of acrocentric chromosomes (13 - 15, 21,22).
Chromosomes are structures composed of DNA coiled tightly around proteins called histones. In eukaryotic cells chromosomes are located in the cell nucleus. Chromosomes control the cell's activities and heredity.

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Wiki User

6y ago
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Alexander Betts

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3y ago
You must have copied this.
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Cookiies4U

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2y ago
Why would I wanna read thru this whole thing ._.
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Wiki User

9y ago

Chromosomes are the DNA and protein found in cells.

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Anonymous

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3y ago

strands of DNA wrapped around proteins

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Arturo Settle

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2y ago
thx lmao
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Cookiies4U

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2y ago
Thank youuuu lol :)

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