Coming from the Greek words[1] “chroma” and “soma” which mean “color” and “body” respectively, a chromosome is a coiled thread-like structure that contains the genetic material of organisms. A chromosome is the condensed form of a chromatin, which in turn is made up of the deoxyribonucleic acid (also known as DNA) and proteins called histones.
Depending on the type of organism, the chromosome number differs. Some organisms can have one chromosome, while some organisms can have up to hundreds!
- The genetic material[2] of prokaryotic organisms is contained in one chromosome, whereas eukaryotic organisms have theirs in multiple chromosomes. [Examples: Jack jumper ant (venomous ant native to Australia) has 1 chromosome; Atlas blue butterfly (found in North Africa) has 448-452 chromosomes].
- In humans, the chromosomes for every cell in the body have identical pairs, except for the sex chromosomes X and Y[3]. The X chromosome is a relatively larger chromosome with more genes, making the genes more dominant. On the other hand, the Y chromosome is responsible for exhibiting “maleness” and manifesting male sexual traits.
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