How to Describe the Structure of a Chromosome

There are 46 chromosomes in every cell of the human body. One set of 23 comes from each of our parents when we are conceived, making a total of 46. Some chromosomes are abnormal or mutated, and sometimes we are given an extra chromosome, as with chromosome 21. When we receive this extra chromosome, Downs Syndrome will be present. The structure of a chromosome is explained here.

Instructions

    • 1

      Describe the process of cell division called mitosis in which the nucleus divides into nuclei containing the same number of chromosomes. Two identical strands attach themselves around the kinetochore forming the classic X shape where the chromatids (the two identical strands) are held in place.

    • 2

      Teach that one single strand of DNA is spooled around histone protein cores forming beads. These are called nucleosomes.

    • 3

      Know that the centromere is a bead in the center of the X where the long arm (p) and the short arms (q) meet.

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