Chromosome

From ISOGG Wiki

A chromosome is an organized package of DNA found in the nucleus of the cell. Different organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes - 22 pairs of numbered chromosomes, called autosomes, and one pair of sex chromosomes, X and Y. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair so that offspring get half of their chromosomes from their mother and half from their father.

See also

• Autosomal DNA
• Meiosis
• Mitosis
• X chromosome
• Y chromosome

External links

• What is a chromosome? From the National Human Genome Research Institute
• Chromosome FAQs From the Human Genome Project
• Chromosome Viewer From the Human Genome Landmarks Poster
• Chromosomes - an explanation from Nancy Custer

This image is taken from the Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms and is reproduced courtesy of the National Human Genome Research Institute.

This article uses material in the public domain from the Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms and is reproduced courtesy of the National Human Genome Research Institute.