Chromosome

In the nucleus of each cell, the DNA molecule is packaged into thread-like structures called chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of DNA tightly coiled many times around proteins called histones that support its structure.

What is a Chromosome?

Chromosomes are the basic building blocks of life where the entire genome of an organism is essentially organized and stored in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) which is present inside every cell making up that organism. A chromosome is a single chain of DNA that is coiled and super coiled to form dense thread-like pieces. The term chromosome is derived from the Greek words "chroma" or color and "some" or body and is so named because chromosomes have the ability to be stained with dyes.

Chromosome History

Chromosomes in Eukaryotes

Chromosomes in Prokaryotes

Chromosome Karyotype

Human Chromosomes

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Common Chromosomal Disorders (Chromosomes 1-5 and X and Y)

What is Chromosome 1?

What is Chromosome 2?

What is Chromosome 3?

What is Chromosome 4?

See more featured articles »

What is Chromosome 5?

What is the X Chromosome?

What is the Y Chromosome?

Latest Chromosome News and Research

Normal breast tissue cells harbor cancer-like genetic abnormalities

A new study from researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center finds that, in healthy women, some breast cells that otherwise appear normal may contain chromosome abnormalities typically associated with invasive breast cancer. The findings question conventional thinking on the genetic origins of breast cancer, which could influence early cancer detection methods.

20 Nov 2024

Study uncovers key mechanism behind HIV latency

An immune response that likely evolved to help fight infections appears to be the mechanism that drives human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into a latent state, lurking in cells only to erupt anew, researchers at Duke Health report.

18 Nov 2024

Study links cannabis use to genotoxicity and transgenerational health impacts

Cannabis exposure leads to genetic damage and accelerated aging, raising concerns about its transgenerational health effects and public health implications.

18 Nov 2024

Study shows cannabis as a genotoxic substance with cancer risks

Cannabis use causes cellular damage that increases the risk of highly cancerous tumors, according to a new paper published in the scientific journal Addiction Biology.

14 Nov 2024

Leveraging genetic variations for more effective cancer therapies

By exploiting the genetic variation in cancer cells, an already approved cancer drug demonstrated enhanced effects against cancer cells in specific patient groups.

14 Nov 2024

New study links genetic mosaicism to lower Alzheimer’s risk in adults with Down syndrome

Study finds mosaicism in Down syndrome reduces Alzheimer's risk, providing new insights into genetic influences on cognitive decline and dementia progression.

8 Nov 2024

Research sheds light on how fecal transplants improve gut health

In a novel study that identified male chromosome genetic material in the intestines of female patients undergoing fecal transplants, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine say they have significantly expanded scientific understanding of how some of these transplants may succeed and work.

6 Nov 2024

Gene editing with CRISPR may introduce new defects

The CRISPR tool is capable of repairing the genetic defect responsible for the immune disease chronic granulomatous disease.

6 Nov 2024

Iron and vitamin D reduce depression risk, while selenium and magnesium raise it

Researchers explore the causality between micronutrient intake and depression using Mendelian randomization.

4 Nov 2024

Scientists develop first durable human lip cell models in the lab

We use our lips to talk, eat, drink, and breathe; they signal our emotions, health, and aesthetic beauty. It takes a complex structure to perform so many roles, so lip problems can be hard to repair effectively. Basic research is essential to improving these treatments, but until now, models using lip cells -; which perform differently to other skin cells -; have not been available.

4 Nov 2024