Part 3

• Chromosome


  Structures that contain genetic information
• Chromosomes


  • Made up of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information
• Gene


  Segments of DNA that code for a particular protein
• Centromere


  Point where the chromatids are joined
• Chromatid


  Chromosomes contain identical parts
• Chromatin


  Makes up the chromatid, composed of DNA and proteins
• British cytologist Pierre-Joseph van Beneden found different numbers of chromosomes in different cells


  1882
• Gametes (sperm & egg) contain half the number of chromosomes compared to somatic cells (nonreproductive cells)