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Questions and Answers
What is the total number of chromosomes in every human cell?
What is the function of the centromere in a chromosome?
What is the term for having an abnormal number of chromosomes?
What is the largest chromosome in humans?
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What is the term for a segment of DNA breaking off from one chromosome and attaching to another?
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What is the role of chromosomes in mitosis and meiosis?
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What is the term for the physical structure of chromosomes?
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Which type of chromosomes determine the sex of an individual?
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Study Notes
Human Chromosomes
Number and Structure
- Humans have 46 chromosomes in every cell of their body, organized into 23 pairs.
- Chromosomes are thread-like structures made up of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information.
- Each chromosome has a centromere, which divides the chromosome into two arms: a short arm (p) and a long arm (q).
Types of Chromosomes
- Autosomes: Chromosomes 1-22, which are not involved in determining sex.
- Sex chromosomes: X and Y chromosomes, which determine the sex of an individual.
Chromosome Size and Gene Content
- Chromosome 1 is the largest, with approximately 250 million base pairs of DNA.
- Chromosome 22 is the smallest, with approximately 50 million base pairs of DNA.
- Chromosomes vary in the number of genes they contain, with some having thousands of genes and others having fewer than 100.
Chromosomal Abnormalities
- Aneuploidy: Having an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can lead to conditions such as Down syndrome (47 chromosomes) or Turner syndrome (45 chromosomes).
- Translocations: When a segment of DNA breaks off from one chromosome and attaches to another, which can lead to genetic disorders.
- Deletions: When a segment of DNA is missing from a chromosome, which can lead to genetic disorders.
Chromosome Function
- Inheritance: Chromosomes carry genetic information from one generation to the next.
- Genetic variation: Chromosomes contain genes that determine individual traits and characteristics.
- Cell division: Chromosomes play a critical role in mitosis and meiosis, ensuring the proper distribution of genetic material during cell division.
Human Chromosomes
Number and Structure
- Human cells contain 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs.
- Chromosomes are thread-like structures composed of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information.
- Each chromosome has a centromere, dividing it into two arms: a short arm (p) and a long arm (q).
Types of Chromosomes
- Autosomes: Chromosomes 1-22, which don't determine sex.
- Sex chromosomes: X and Y chromosomes, which determine an individual's sex.
Chromosome Size and Gene Content
- Chromosome 1 is the largest, with approximately 250 million base pairs of DNA.
- Chromosome 22 is the smallest, with approximately 50 million base pairs of DNA.
- Chromosomes vary in gene content, with some having thousands of genes and others fewer than 100.
Chromosomal Abnormalities
- Aneuploidy: Having an abnormal number of chromosomes, leading to conditions like Down syndrome (47 chromosomes) or Turner syndrome (45 chromosomes).
- Translocations: When a DNA segment breaks off from one chromosome and attaches to another, leading to genetic disorders.
- Deletions: When a DNA segment is missing from a chromosome, leading to genetic disorders.
Chromosome Function
- Chromosomes carry genetic information from one generation to the next, ensuring inheritance.
- Chromosomes contain genes that determine individual traits and characteristics, contributing to genetic variation.
- Chromosomes play a critical role in mitosis and meiosis, ensuring proper distribution of genetic material during cell division.
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Description
Learn about the number and structure of human chromosomes, including autosomes and sex chromosomes. Understand the DNA and protein composition of chromosomes and their role in carrying genetic information.
