Chromosome: Difference between revisions

Chromosomes consist of two long strands of [[Deoxyribonucleic Acid]] (DNA) that are bound together, and twisted into the shape of a helix. Each chromosome contains a great many [[genes]].  

This threadlike structure is found in the cells of every organism and is responsible for passing of characteristics to offspring is the process of heredity. They come in different shapes and sizes depending on what the organism is. In human body there are 46 chromosomes that inhibit the human body. The way that the chromosome is formed is that proteins, which are known as histones bend and coil the DNA strands, which then forms the chromosome. This is why DNA inhibits most of the space in the chromosome. In each organism there is a certain number of chromosomes. In cell division the chromosome takes on an important role. When the new cells are formed by division they produce daughter cells. When there was one cell there is now two cells. Each of these are duplicated chromosomes. During this process the chromosome are formed into rodlike structures but are paired. The new cell that is then formed will receive one of each pair of the rodlike structure. This way the cell then has a chromosome that is like the original chromosome cell. A process called rearrangement can cause the cells to break off one chromosome and join another chromosome. This can cause problems for the chromosome. This process may cause a disease to travel from the parent to the child because of the rearrangement of the chromosome. Cancer cells are an example of the chromosome number or the structure are changed. (World Book)A chromosome is the DNA molecule that contains most or all of the genetic information of the cell or virus. In Eukayotes, a structure composed of DNA and proteins that bear part of the genetic information of the cell.(Purves, G-5) In a eukaryotic cell the chromosome is contained within the organelle known as the nucleus. Before the synthesis of DNA each of the chromosomes have only one double stranded DNA molecule : after the DNA has been replicated the new DNA molecule is called chromatids. These chromatids are then held together by cohesin. When the cell is in inter phase the chromosome has many DNA molecules roaming around the nucleosmoes(Purves, 196)