CHROMOSOMES

-Originated from the Greek word (chroma,

colour) and (soma, body).

-A chromosome is an organized structure of

DNA and protein found in cells. It is a single
piece of coiled DNA containing many genes,
regulatory and other nucleotide sequences
 CHROMOSOMES

-Discovery
First described by Strausberger in 1875.
The term Chromosome, however was
first used by Waldeyer in 1888
 CHROMOSOMES

How many chromosomes do people have?

In humans, each cell normally contains 23
pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. Twenty-
two of these pairs, called autosomes, look the
same in both males and females. The 23rd pair, the
sex chromosomes, differ between males and
females. Females have two copies of the X
chromosome, while males have one X and one Y
chromosome.
 THE STRUCTURE OF CHROMOSOMES

Chromosomes are made of 50% proteins

(structure, protection, turn genes on and off), and
50% DNA (deoxy-ribonucleic acid).
Chromosomes are made of many chromatin
threads, each containing DNA and proteins.
Somatic cells contain 46 chromosomes, gametic
cells contain 23 chromosomes.
44 of our chromosomes are AUTOSOMES, while 2
are called sex chromosomes.
Each chromosome contains many GENES that act
as a blueprint or set of instructions for the cell.
 THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF
CHROMOSOMES

Chromatids - Each chromosome consists of similar

structures called chromatids. They are identical and are
called sister chromatids. Each of the two threadlike strands
into which a chromosome divides longitudinally during cell
division. Each contains a double helix of DNA.

Chromatids
 THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF
CHROMOSOMES

Centromere- is a region of DNA that is responsible for

the movement of the replicated chromosomes into the two
daughter cells during mitosis and meiosis.

Centromere
 THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF
CHROMOSOMES

Chromonema-
the coiled central thread of a chromatid along
which lie the chromomeres

Chromonema
 THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF
CHROMOSOMES

Chromonemata- In each chromonemata,

there are bead like chromomeres present
through out the coil.

Chromonemata
1. TELOCENTRIC:- The centromere is CENTROMERE

present at the end of the chromosomes.

LONG ARM
SHORT ARM

CENTROMERE
2. ACROCENTRIC:-The centromere
is almost terminal. It has one large
LONG ARM and another very small arm.
 TYPES OF CHROMOSOMES
(CONTINUED)

SHORT ARM 3. SUB-METACENTRIC:- Here the centromere is

not at the middle position of the chromosomes.
CENTROMERE
So the arms are unequal and it is L-Shaped in
appearance.

LONG ARM
TWO EQUAL ARMS

4. METECENTRIC:- The centromere

is at the middle position. So the
arms are equal and it is V-Shaped
CENTROMERE
in appearance.
 Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Chromosomes

Prokaryotic Chromosomes
Genomes are simple and the organization of DNA is also
different.
Genomes are contained in single chromosomes, which are
usually circular DNA molecules.
DNA is associated with proteins but no histones present.
DNA packaging is different from and is not well
understood.
Variation in genome length bearing genes. RNA viruses
having smallest genome.
 Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Chromosomes

Eukaryotic Chromosomes
Genomes are composed of multiple chromosomes, each
containing a linear molecule of DNA.
Histones are unique feature of eukaryotic cells.
The packaging of DNA is due to histones.
 Function of Chromosomes

* Genetic Code Storage: Chromosome contains the genetic

material that is required by the organism to develop and grow.
DNA molecules are made of chain of units called genes. Genes
are those sections of the DNA which code for specific proteins
required by the cell for its proper functioning.

* Sex Determination: Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes out

of which one pair is the sex chromosome. Females have two X
chromosomes and males have one X and one Y chromosome. The
sex of the child is determined by the chromosome passed down
by the male. If X chromosome is passed out of XY chromosome,
the child will be a female and if a Y chromosome is passed, a
male child develops.
 Function of Chromosomes

*Control of Cell Division: Chromosomes check successful

division of cells during the process of mitosis. The
chromosomes of the parent cells insure that the correct
information is passed on to the daughter cells required by
the cell to grow and develop correctly.

*Formation of Proteins and Storage: Proteins are essential

for the activity of a cell. The chromosomes direct the
sequences of proteins formed in our body and also
maintain the order of DNA. The proteins are also stored in
the coiled structure of the chromosomes. These proteins
bound to the DNA help in proper packaging of the DNA.