Chromosomes (Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic)

• What does heredity refer to?

  Transmission of traits across generations
• What is the role of DNA in heredity?

  It provides continuity of life across generations
• What are chromosomes made of?

  DNA and associated proteins
• What is the chromosomal basis of inheritance?

  It explains gene transmission from parents to offspring
• What shape do eukaryotic chromosomes have?

  Linear shape
• What is the appearance of eukaryotic chromosomes after replication?

  They have an “X-shaped” appearance
• What are autosomes?

  Chromosomes not involved in gender determination
• How many autosomes do human cells contain?

  44 autosomes
• What are sex chromosomes in human females?

  Two X sex chromosomes
• What is the structure of a prokaryotic chromosome?

  Circular and resides in the nucleoid

  
• What is a plasmid?

  A small circular DNA molecule distinct from chromosomal DNA
• How do plasmids benefit bacteria?

  They provide genetic advantages like antibiotic resistance
• What is the process of conjugation in bacteria?

  Exchange of plasmids between bacterial cells
• What is a gene?

  A segment of DNA coding for a protein
• What is a genome?

  An organism's complete set of DNA
• How many base pairs are in the human genome?

  More than 3 billion base pairs
• What does haploid refer to?

  Cells with one copy of each chromosome
• What is the haploid number in human cells?

  23

  
• What does diploid refer to?

  Cells with two copies of each chromosome
• What is the diploid number in human cells?

  46
• What is a locus?

  The location of a gene on a chromosome