Chromosomes and DNA
Chromosomes carry genetic information in a molecule called DNA.
A type of cell division called mitosis ensures that when a cell divides each new cell produced has the same genetic information.
Deoxyribonucleic acid. The material inside the nucleus of cells, carrying the genetic information of a living being. exists in a cell's nucleus within structures called The structure made of DNA that codes for all the characteristics of an organism.. Each section of a chromosome that contains the code for the production of a particular protein is called a The basic unit of genetic material inherited from our parents. A gene is a section of DNA which controls part of a cell's chemistry - particularly protein production..
Each chromosome is made from a single molecule of DNA, but when a cell is ready to divide, the DNA copies itself, then coils and condenses to form the chromosomes that we see in A photograph taken of a microscopical image..
Each human body cell contains 46 chromosomes. These can be arranged into 23 pairs.
Each chromosome in a pair carries the same types of genes. The 23rd pair are the sex chromosomes:
- In females, the two chromosomes are identical in shape. There are two X chromosomes. Females are referred to as XX.
- In males, one of the chromosomes is a different in shape. There is an X and also a Y chromosome. Males are referred to as XY
Learn more about DNA and the genome with Dr Alex Lathbridge.
Listen to the full series on 大象传媒 Sounds.
In this podcast, learn the key facts about DNA and the genome. Listen to the full series on 大象传媒 Sounds.