5 Questions
What is the primary function of chromosomes?
To transmit genetic information
What is the name of the proteins that DNA is coiled around in chromosomes?
Histones
How many chromosomes do humans have?
46
What determines an individual's characteristics?
The unique combination of chromosomes
What are the fundamental units of heredity?
Chromosomes
Study Notes
Chromosomes
- Chromosomes are thread-like structures found within the nucleus of cells, carrying essential genetic information.
- They are packaged as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which determines an organism's traits.
- Chromosomes act as an instruction manual, containing the instructions that build and maintain an organism.
Chromosome Structure
- Each chromosome consists of DNA tightly coiled around proteins called histones.
Number of Chromosomes
- The number of chromosomes varies between species.
- Humans have 46 chromosomes, with 22 pairs called autosomes (non-sex chromosomes) and one pair of sex chromosomes (X and Y).
Chromosome Inheritance
- We inherit half of our chromosomes from each parent, resulting in a unique combination that determines our individual characteristics.
- Chromosomes are the fundamental units of heredity, ensuring the passing of traits from generation to generation.
Learn about the function and structure of chromosomes, which carry genetic information in the form of DNA, and how they vary between species.
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