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

Study uncovers a previously unknown genetic link to autism spectrum disorder

New research published in The American Journal of Human Genetics has identified a previously unknown genetic link to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found that variants in the DDX53 gene contribute to ASD, providing new insights into the genetic underpinnings of the condition.

19 Dec 2024

New therapies and technologies provide hope for age-related fertility challenges

Scientists explore emerging strategies to combat reproductive aging, highlighting promising therapies and technologies to improve fertility in later life.

17 Dec 2024

Genetic shifts in reproductive traits link to aging and health risks

This study explores the genetics of human reproductive traits, revealing links to aging, health outcomes, and longevity while highlighting the role of genetic factors in modern fertility shifts.

17 Dec 2024

New discovery reveals twisting action of molecular motors in the DNA

Scientists from the Kavli Institute of Delft University of Technology and the IMP Vienna Biocenter discovered a new property of the molecular motors that shape our chromosomes.

16 Dec 2024

Novel drug combination shows promise for CLL treatment

A novel, fixed-duration drug combination -; consisting of a second-generation BTK inhibitor, called acalabrutinib, plus a BCL-2 inhibitor (venetoclax), with or without a third blood cancer drug -; shows deep and durable responses in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute investigator Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD, reports at the 66th American Society for Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, on behalf of the trial investigators.

9 Dec 2024

X-chromosome study reveals hidden genetic links to Alzheimer’s disease

A groundbreaking study explores the overlooked X-chromosome’s role in Alzheimer’s disease, revealing seven genetic loci linked to neurodegenerative decline and cognitive reserve.

9 Dec 2024

Study reveals how DNA folding drives gene activity bursts

Researchers at Kyushu University have revealed how spatial distance between specific regions of DNA is linked to bursts of gene activity.

6 Dec 2024

Study: Brain volume changes correlate with social behavior differences in psychiatric conditions

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that brain volume changes correlate with social behavior differences in psychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.

6 Dec 2024

Study uncovers dangerous side effects of AZD7648 in gene editing

Genome editing with various CRISPR-Cas molecule complexes has progressed rapidly in recent years.

5 Dec 2024

Prenatal cfDNA testing uncovers hidden cancers in pregnant individuals

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found previously undetected cancers in 48.6% of pregnant people who had abnormal results for prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing used to screen for chromosomal disorders in the fetus.

4 Dec 2024

Ultrasound-controlled CRISPR offers precision in treating genetic disorders

Thanks to CRISPR, our medical specialists will soon have unprecedented control over how they treat and prevent some of our most challenging genetic disorders and diseases.

4 Dec 2024

Tumor secreted DNA triggers immune response against liver metastasis Special...

Specially packaged DNA secreted by tumor cells can trigger an immune response that inhibits the metastatic spread of the tumor to the liver, according to a study led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Korea's Yonsei University.

4 Dec 2024

Study highlights the critical role of TLR7 in sex-biased Alzheimer’s-related demyelination

Inhibiting an immune signaling protein called TLR7 may help preserve the protective layer surrounding nerve fibers in the brain during both Alzheimer's disease and ordinary aging, suggests a study led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine.

2 Dec 2024

Research paves the way for genetic control of disease-spreading ticks

Research collaboration by the Texas A&M Department of Entomology and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, creates potential for genetic tools to control disease-spreading ticks.

27 Nov 2024

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