chromosomes

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Angad

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  • A chromosome is a structure containing a DNA molecule and associated histone proteins. Each organism has a set number of chromosomes.
  • Diploid = full number of chromosomes, e.g. 46 in humans Haploid = half the number of chromosomes, e.g. 23 in humans
  • Chromosomes in the human body are arranged in 23 pairs: 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes 1 pair of sex chromosomes XX in females XY in males
  • When DNA replicates, a chromosome is duplicated to produce an exact copy of itself meaning a chromosome now consists of 2 sister chromatids held together by a centromere
  • A diploid cell contains pairs of chromosomes that are the same length and have the same centromere position. Each pair of chromosomes is termed a homologous pair because the two chromosomes carry alleles for the same genes.
  • Each homologous pair consists of a:
     paternal chromosome (inherited from the father)
     maternal chromosome (inherited from the mother)