What are some characteristics of chromosomes?

Answer 1

Chromosomes, long linear strands of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are the material that contain all the hereditary genes required for cell life.

Common characteristics of chromosomes include their function, role, pairs and types.

Chromosomes have several characteristics, for example, in both animal and plant cells, every chromosome is located within the nucleus of a cell. Another characteristic of chromosomes is the fact that they play an essential role to the copying and distribution of DNA throughout cell divisions. This happens on a frequent basis during cell division, which forms new cells in replacement of cells that are no longer needed. Chromosomes exist in pairs. A typical human body cell consists of 23 chromosome pairs. In humans, an equal number of chromosomes is inherited from both parents; 23 from the mother and 23 from the father. X and Y chromosomes, which are named after their shapes, are the two types of chromosomes to exist in most mammals (humans included). The sex of an individual is determined by what chromosomes they have**.** While females possess two X chromosomes, males have one X and one Y chromosome. The Y chromosome, which is much smaller than the X chromosome, contains less genetic material. X chromosomes contain around 2,000 genes whereas Y chromosomes typically contain fewer than 100 genes. All female egg cells carry an X chromosome while every male sperm cells contain either an X or Y chromosome. During fertilisation, the sperm cells determine the sex of the infant because of this fact.

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