Chromosomes are molecules biochemical DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) attached to proteins called histones. During cell division the chromatin (DNA dispersed in the cell nucleus) is concentrated and tightly wound around a frame protein (histones)     forming compact bodies called chromosomes.

It usually consisting of two arms called chromatids, which join via a lower density area and a center called the Centro mere. Separate components at the Centro mere are called arms (corresponding to half of a chromatic).

The chromosome size may range between 0.2 and 5 μm (micrometers) in length with a diameter of between 0.2 and 2 micrometers. The normal length of the chromosomes of mammals varies between 4-6 micrometers.

A micrometer equals one thousandth of a millimeter. (A millimeter divided into thousand parts)

In the metaphase chromosomes are duplicated chromatids (sister chromatids) and joined at the centromere. During anaphase has only one set of chromatids.

Normally there are 46 chromosomes in each human cell.

They are like a series of cookbooks. Each chromosome or cook-book contains thousands of recipes that are pieces of information or instructions.

These instructions or recipes are called “genes.” Therefore, the chromosomes are packages of genes, which direct the body’s development.

For example, there are genes that tell whether a person will have blue or brown eyes, brown hair or blond.

A gene also encodes and carries information of a specific product, such as a protein. This protein is involved in a specific process for determining a particular trait or characteristic.

All information that the body needs to work is of the chromosomes. The chromosomes contain the blueprint for growth and development.

Scattered among the 23 pairs of chromosomes are about 30,000 genes. Even a very small part of a chromosome can contain different genes.

The exact location or even the exact number of all genes is still unknown. (See: Genetic map of human genome). Studies   chromosomes do not include a detailed assessment of each gene.

Chromosomes come in pairs. One member of each pair comes from the father’s sperm cell and the other member of the pair, comes from the egg cell of the mother.

In other words, the baby receives half its genetic material of the mother and half from the father.

The sex chromosomes are usually placed next to other chromosomes. Children usually have one X and one Y chromosome, while girls have two X chromosomes this picture is called a “karyotype.”

Genetically transmitted diseases

Failures or anomalies in the genetic sequence are due to various disorders and diseases of genetic transmission, among others, are:

Glaucoma

It occurs in individuals who have a gene (particle chromosome) dominant feature. This eye disease is characterized by excessive intraocular pressure that causes progressive loss of visual field and   view.

Anemia facilgorme

Affects a large number of black people. In this disease the hemoglobin (oxygen carrier in the blood) of red blood cells are entirely replaced by abnormal hemoglobin called S. Therefore, red blood cells that contain adopt an S-shaped instead of disk, and with it are less able to     carry oxygen and they can block blood vessels of some     organs. As a result, individuals who suffer from anemia have     severe and usually fatal.

Hemophilia

It is transmitted by a recessive gene linked to chromosome X. Individuals     hemophilia tend to bleed abnormally, either spontaneously or as     minimum of wounds . The man can not transmit the hemophilia     disease to their sons, but all his daughters are healthy carriers. Each     son of a female carrier has a 50 % risk of being born with hemophilia.

Down Syndrome

They have 47 chromosomes (chromosome 21 is repeated); the individual has a set of defects, including severe mental retardation, muscle weakness and increased susceptibility to leukemia.

Turner Syndrome

It occurs when a woman has only 45 chromosomes (humans normally have 46 chromosomes), this determines that height is very low and does not develop secondary sexual characteristics typical of females. In addition, sexual organs never reach sexual maturity.

Klinefelder Syndrome

It occurs in one out of every thousand men, which are 47 chromosomes (they have an extra sex chromosome). Patients are sterile because the testes are unable to produce sperm. They also often suffer delay     mental.

Number of Chromosomes in different species

Dog

Each cell – dog or other animal, contains a kernel that is a “ribbon” called chromosomes. Their number is constant in each species, and dogs have 78, divided into 39 pairs.

Man

In man there are 23 pairs i.e. has 46 chromosomes

Cat

In the cat there are 19 pairs of chromosomes, therefore has 38 chromosomes.

Fruit Fly

It has four pairs, that is has 8 chromosomes

Frog

It has 13 pairs, 26 chromosomes

Horse

There are 33 pairs, or has 66 chromosomes

Dove

It has 40 pairs, has 80 chromosomes

Rooster

It has 39 pairs of chromosomes, or 78 chromosomes

Mouse

He has 20 pairs of chromosomes, 40 chromosomes in total

Rat

There are 21 pairs of chromosomes, 42 chromosomes

Hamster

There are 22 pairs of chromosomes, or has 44 chromosomes

Rabbit

There are 22 pairs or 44 chromosomes

Pig

It has 18 pairs, 36 chromosomes

Incoming search terms:

Tagged with: • • • •

Filed under: wellness

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!