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[[File:Chromosome.svg|thumb|250px|Diagram of a replicated and condensed [[metaphase]] eukaryotic chromosome. (1) [[Chromatid]] – one of the two identical parts of the chromosome after [[S phase]]. (2) [[Centromere]] – the point where the two chromatids touch. (3) Short arm. (4) Long arm.]]
[[File:Chromosome.svg|thumb|250px|Diagram of a replicated and condensed [[metaphase]] eukaryotic chromosome. (1) [[Chromatid]] – one of the two identical parts of the chromosome after [[S phase]]. (2) [[Centromere]] – the point where the two chromatids touch. (3) Short arm. (4) Long arm.]]


A '''chromosome''' is packaged [[chromatin]], a complex of macromolecules found in [[Cell (biology)|cells]], consisting of [[DNA]], [[protein]] and [[RNA]]. The main information-carrying macromolecule is a single piece of coiled double-stranded DNA, containing many [[gene]]s, [[regulatory sequence|regulatory elements]] and other [[genetic sequence|nucleotide sequences]]. The DNA-bound macromolecules are proteins, which serve to package the DNA and control its functions. Some species also contain [[plasmid]]s or other [[extrachromosomal DNA]].
A '''chromosome''' is packaged [[chromatin]], a complex of macromolecules found in [[Cell (biology)|cells]], consisting of [[DNA]], [[protein]] and [[RNA]]. The main information-carrying macromolecule is a single piece of coiled double-stranded DNA, containing many [[gene]]s, [[regulatory sequence|regulatory elements]] and other [[genetic sequence|nucleotide sequences]]. The DNA-bound macromolecules are proteins, which serve to package the DNA and control its functions. Chromosomes vary widely between different [[organism]]s. Some species also contain [[plasmid]]s or other [[extrachromosomal DNA]].


⚫
Compaction of the duplicated chromosomes during [[mitosis]] and [[meiosis]] results either in a four-arm structure (pictured to the right) if the [[centromere]] is located in the middle of the chromosome or a two-arm structure if the centromere is located near one of the ends. Chromosomal recombination during [[mitosis]] plays a vital role in genetic diversity. If these structures are manipulated incorrectly, through processes known as chromosomal instability and translocation, the cell may undergo [[mitotic catastrophe]] and die, or it may unexpectedly evade [[apoptosis]] leading to the progression of [[cancer]].
Chromosomes vary widely between different [[organism]]s. The DNA molecule may be circular or linear, and can be composed of <math>10^5</math> to over<math>3.75 \cdot 10^9</math><ref>{{cite journal|author=Paux E, Sourdille P, Salse J, ''et al.''|title=A Physical Map of the 1-Gigabase Bread Wheat Chromosome 3B|journal=Science|volume=322|issue=5898|pages=101–104|year=2008|doi=10.1126/science.1161847 |pmid=18832645}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Pellicer J, Fay M F and Leitch I J|title=The largest eukaryotic genome of them all?|journal=Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society|volume=164|pages=10–15|year=2010|doi=10.1111/j.1095-8339.2010.01072.x}}</ref> [[nucleotides]] in a long chain. Typically, [[eukaryote|eukaryotic]] cells (cells with nuclei) have large linear chromosomes and [[prokaryotic]] cells (cells without defined nuclei) have smaller circular chromosomes, although there are many exceptions to this rule. Cells may contain more than one type of chromosome; for example, [[mitochondria]] in most [[eukaryote]]s and [[chloroplast]]s in plants have their own small chromosomes.

⚫
In eukaryotes, nuclear chromosomes are packaged by proteins into a condensed structure called [[chromatin]]. This allows the very long DNA molecules to fit into the [[cell nucleus]]. The structure of chromosomes and chromatin varies through the [[cell cycle]]. Chromosomes are even more condensed than chromatin and are an essential unit for cellular division. Chromosomes must be replicated, divided, and passed successfully to their daughter cells so as to ensure the genetic diversity and survival of their [[offspring|progeny]]. Chromosomes may exist as either duplicated or unduplicated. Unduplicated chromosomes are single linear strands, whereas duplicated chromosomes contain two identical copies (called [[chromatids]] or [[sister chromatids]]) joined by a [[centromere]].

⚫
Compaction of the duplicated chromosomes during [[mitosis]] and [[meiosis]] results in the classic four-arm structure (pictured to the right) if the [[centromere]] is located in the middle of the chromosome or a two-arm structure if the centromere is located near one of the ends. Chromosomal recombination plays a vital role in genetic diversity. If these structures are manipulated incorrectly, through processes known as chromosomal instability and translocation, the cell may undergo [[mitotic catastrophe]] and die, or it may unexpectedly evade [[apoptosis]] leading to the progression of [[cancer]].


In practice "chromosome" is a rather loosely defined term. In prokaryotes and [[virus]]es, the term [[genophore]] is more appropriate when no chromatin is present. However, a large body of work uses the term chromosome regardless of chromatin content. In prokaryotes, DNA is usually arranged as a loop, which is tightly coiled in on itself, sometimes accompanied by one or more smaller, circular DNA molecules called [[plasmid]]s. These small circular genomes are also found in [[mitochondria]] and [[chloroplasts]], reflecting their bacterial origins. The simplest genophores are found in viruses: these DNA or [[RNA]] molecules are short linear or circular genophores that often lack structural proteins.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}}{{explain}}
In practice "chromosome" is a rather loosely defined term. In prokaryotes and [[virus]]es, the term [[genophore]] is more appropriate when no chromatin is present. However, a large body of work uses the term chromosome regardless of chromatin content. In prokaryotes, DNA is usually arranged as a loop, which is tightly coiled in on itself, sometimes accompanied by one or more smaller, circular DNA molecules called [[plasmid]]s. These small circular genomes are also found in [[mitochondria]] and [[chloroplasts]], reflecting their bacterial origins. The simplest genophores are found in viruses: these DNA or [[RNA]] molecules are short linear or circular genophores that often lack structural proteins.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}}{{explain}}
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{{double image|right|Walter sutton.jpg|140|Theodor Boveri.jpg|120|[[Walter Sutton]] (left) and [[Theodor Boveri]] (right) independently developed the chromosome theory of inheritance in 1902.}}
{{double image|right|Walter sutton.jpg|140|Theodor Boveri.jpg|120|[[Walter Sutton]] (left) and [[Theodor Boveri]] (right) independently developed the chromosome theory of inheritance in 1902.}}


[[Otto Bütschli]] was the first who recognized the structures now so familiar to everyone as chromosomes,<ref>Fokin, S.I. (2013). "Otto Bütschli (1848–1920): Where we will genuflect?" ''Protistology'', 8 (1), 22–35, [http://protistology.ifmo.ru/num8_1/fokin_protistology_8-1.pdf].</ref> term coined by [[Heinrich Wilhelm Gottfried von Waldeyer-Hartz|Waldeyer]].
[[Otto Bütschli]] was the first who recognized the structures now so familiar to everyone as chromosomes,<ref>Fokin, S.I. (2013). "Otto Bütschli (1848–1920): Where we will genuflect?" ''Protistology'', 8 (1), 22–35, [http://protistology.ifmo.ru/num8_1/fokin_protistology_8-1.pdf].</ref> the term was coined by [[Heinrich Wilhelm Gottfried von Waldeyer-Hartz|Waldeyer]], referring to the term [[chromatin]], which was introduced by [[Walther Flemming]].


In a series of experiments beginning in the mid-1880s, [[Theodor Boveri]] gave the definitive demonstration that chromosomes are the [[Vector (molecular biology)|vector]]s of [[heredity]]. His two principles were the ''continuity'' of chromosomes and the ''individuality'' of chromosomes.{{Citation needed|date=April 2009}}{{explain}} It is the second of these principles that was so original.{{Citation needed|date=April 2009}} [[Wilhelm Roux]] suggested that each chromosome carries a different [[genetic load]]. Boveri was able to test and confirm this hypothesis. Aided by the rediscovery at the start of the 1900s of [[Gregor Mendel]]'s earlier work, Boveri was able to point out the connection between the rules of inheritance and the behaviour of the chromosomes. Boveri influenced two generations of American cytologists: [[Edmund Beecher Wilson]], [[Walter Sutton]] and [[Theophilus Painter]] were all influenced by Boveri (Wilson and Painter actually worked with him).
In a series of experiments beginning in the mid-1880s, [[Theodor Boveri]] gave the definitive demonstration that chromosomes are the [[Vector (molecular biology)|vector]]s of [[heredity]]. His two principles were the ''continuity'' of chromosomes and the ''individuality'' of chromosomes.{{Citation needed|date=April 2009}}{{explain}} It is the second of these principles that was so original.{{Citation needed|date=April 2009}} [[Wilhelm Roux]] suggested that each chromosome carries a different [[genetic load]]. Boveri was able to test and confirm this hypothesis. Aided by the rediscovery at the start of the 1900s of [[Gregor Mendel]]'s earlier work, Boveri was able to point out the connection between the rules of inheritance and the behaviour of the chromosomes. Boveri influenced two generations of American cytologists: [[Edmund Beecher Wilson]], [[Walter Sutton]] and [[Theophilus Painter]] were all influenced by Boveri (Wilson and Painter actually worked with him).
Line 39: Line 35:


Prokaryotic chromosomes and plasmids are, like eukaryotic DNA, generally [[Mechanical properties of DNA#Supercoiled DNA|supercoiled]]. The DNA must first be released into its relaxed state for access for [[Transcription (genetics)|transcription]], regulation, and [[DNA replication|replication]].
Prokaryotic chromosomes and plasmids are, like eukaryotic DNA, generally [[Mechanical properties of DNA#Supercoiled DNA|supercoiled]]. The DNA must first be released into its relaxed state for access for [[Transcription (genetics)|transcription]], regulation, and [[DNA replication|replication]].

⚫
[[File:Chromatin Structures.png|thumb|center|1180px|'''Fig. 2:''' The major structures in DNA compaction; [[DNA]], the [[nucleosome]], the 10nm "beads-on-a-string" fibre, the 30nm fibre and the [[metaphase]] chromosome.]]


== Eukaryotes ==
== Eukaryotes ==
[[File:Eukaryote DNA-en.svg|thumb|280px|Organization of DNA in a eukaryotic cell.]]
[[File:Eukaryote DNA-en.svg|thumb|280px|Organization of DNA in a eukaryotic cell.]]
{{See also|Eukaryotic chromosome fine structure}}
{{See also|Eukaryotic chromosome fine structure}}
⚫
In eukaryotes, nuclear chromosomes are packaged by proteins into a condensed structure called [[chromatin]]. This allows the very long DNA molecules to fit into the [[cell nucleus]]. The structure of chromosomes and chromatin varies through the [[cell cycle]]. Chromosomes are even more condensed than chromatin and are an essential unit for cellular division. Chromosomes must be replicated, divided, and passed successfully to their daughter cells so as to ensure the genetic diversity and survival of their [[offspring|progeny]]. Chromosomes may exist as either duplicated or unduplicated. Unduplicated chromosomes are single linear strands, whereas duplicated chromosomes contain two identical copies (called [[chromatids]] or [[sister chromatids]]) joined by a [[centromere]].

⚫
[[File:Chromatin Structures.png|thumb|center|1180px|'''Fig. 2:''' The major structures in DNA compaction; [[DNA]], the [[nucleosome]], the 10nm "beads-on-a-string" fibre, the 30nm fibre and the [[metaphase]] chromosome.]]
[[Eukaryotes]] ([[cell (biology)|cells]] with nuclei such as those found in plants, yeast, and animals) possess multiple large linear chromosomes contained in the cell's nucleus. Each chromosome has one [[centromere]], with one or two arms projecting from the centromere, although, under most circumstances, these arms are not visible as such. In addition, most eukaryotes have a small circular [[mitochondria]]l [[Mitochondrial DNA|genome]], and some eukaryotes may have additional small circular or linear [[cytoplasm]]ic chromosomes.
[[Eukaryotes]] ([[cell (biology)|cells]] with nuclei such as those found in plants, yeast, and animals) possess multiple large linear chromosomes contained in the cell's nucleus. Each chromosome has one [[centromere]], with one or two arms projecting from the centromere, although, under most circumstances, these arms are not visible as such. In addition, most eukaryotes have a small circular [[mitochondria]]l [[Mitochondrial DNA|genome]], and some eukaryotes may have additional small circular or linear [[cytoplasm]]ic chromosomes.


Revision as of 21:51, 12 September 2014

For a non-technical introduction to the topic, see Introduction to genetics.
Diagram of a replicated and condensed metaphase eukaryotic chromosome. (1) Chromatid – one of the two identical parts of the chromosome after S phase. (2) Centromere – the point where the two chromatids touch. (3) Short arm. (4) Long arm.

A chromosome is packaged chromatin, a complex of macromolecules found in cells, consisting of DNA, protein and RNA. The main information-carrying macromolecule is a single piece of coiled double-stranded DNA, containing many genes, regulatory elements and other nucleotide sequences. The DNA-bound macromolecules are proteins, which serve to package the DNA and control its functions. Chromosomes vary widely between different organisms. Some species also contain plasmids or other extrachromosomal DNA.

Compaction of the duplicated chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis results either in a four-arm structure (pictured to the right) if the centromere is located in the middle of the chromosome or a two-arm structure if the centromere is located near one of the ends. Chromosomal recombination during mitosis plays a vital role in genetic diversity. If these structures are manipulated incorrectly, through processes known as chromosomal instability and translocation, the cell may undergo mitotic catastrophe and die, or it may unexpectedly evade apoptosis leading to the progression of cancer.

In practice "chromosome" is a rather loosely defined term. In prokaryotes and viruses, the term genophore is more appropriate when no chromatin is present. However, a large body of work uses the term chromosome regardless of chromatin content. In prokaryotes, DNA is usually arranged as a loop, which is tightly coiled in on itself, sometimes accompanied by one or more smaller, circular DNA molecules called plasmids. These small circular genomes are also found in mitochondria and chloroplasts, reflecting their bacterial origins. The simplest genophores are found in viruses: these DNA or RNA molecules are short linear or circular genophores that often lack structural proteins.[citation needed][further explanation needed]

The word chromosome comes from the Greek χρῶμα (chroma, colour) and σῶμα (soma, body) due to their property of being very strongly stained by particular dyes.

History of discovery

Otto Bütschli was the first who recognized the structures now so familiar to everyone as chromosomes,[1] the term was coined by Waldeyer, referring to the term chromatin, which was introduced by Walther Flemming.

In a series of experiments beginning in the mid-1880s, Theodor Boveri gave the definitive demonstration that chromosomes are the vectors of heredity. His two principles were the continuity of chromosomes and the individuality of chromosomes.[citation needed][further explanation needed] It is the second of these principles that was so original.[citation needed] Wilhelm Roux suggested that each chromosome carries a different genetic load. Boveri was able to test and confirm this hypothesis. Aided by the rediscovery at the start of the 1900s of Gregor Mendel's earlier work, Boveri was able to point out the connection between the rules of inheritance and the behaviour of the chromosomes. Boveri influenced two generations of American cytologists: Edmund Beecher Wilson, Walter Sutton and Theophilus Painter were all influenced by Boveri (Wilson and Painter actually worked with him).

In his famous textbook The Cell in Development and Heredity, Wilson linked together the independent work of Boveri and Sutton (both around 1902) by naming the chromosome theory of inheritance the Boveri–Sutton chromosome theory (the names are sometimes reversed).[2] Ernst Mayr remarks that the theory was hotly contested by some famous geneticists: William Bateson, Wilhelm Johannsen, Richard Goldschmidt and T.H. Morgan, all of a rather dogmatic turn of mind. Eventually, complete proof came from chromosome maps in Morgan's own lab.[3]

The number of human chromosomes was published in 1923 by Theophilus Painter. By inspection through the microscope he counted 24 pairs which would mean 48 chromosomes. His error was copied by others and it was not until 1956 that the true number, 46, was determined by Indonesia-born cytogeneticist Joe Hin Tjio.[4]

Prokaryotes

The prokaryotes – bacteria and archaea – typically have a single circular chromosome, but many variations exist.[5] Most bacteria's chromosome can range in size from only 160,000 base pairs in the endosymbiotic bacterium Candidatus Carsonella ruddii,[6] to 12,200,000 base pairs in the soil-dwelling bacterium Sorangium cellulosum.[7] Spirochaetes of the genus Borrelia are a notable exception to this arrangement, with bacteria such as Borrelia burgdorferi, the cause of Lyme disease, containing a single linear chromosome.[8] Some genes, known as Orphons, aren't even in a chromosome at all.

Structure in sequences

Prokaryotic chromosomes have less sequence-based structure than eukaryotes. Bacteria typically have a single point (the origin of replication) from which replication starts, whereas some archaea contain multiple replication origins.[9] The genes in prokaryotes are often organized in operons, and do not usually contain introns, unlike eukaryotes.

DNA packaging

Prokaryotes do not possess nuclei. Instead, their DNA is organized into a structure called the nucleoid.[10] The nucleoid is a distinct structure and occupies a defined region of the bacterial cell. This structure is, however, dynamic and is maintained and remodeled by the actions of a range of histone-like proteins, which associate with the bacterial chromosome.[11] In archaea, the DNA in chromosomes is even more organized, with the DNA packaged within structures similar to eukaryotic nucleosomes.[12][13]

Bacterial chromosomes tend to be tethered to the plasma membrane of the bacteria. In molecular biology application, this allows for its isolation from plasmid DNA by centrifugation of lysed bacteria and pelleting of the membranes (and the attached DNA).

Prokaryotic chromosomes and plasmids are, like eukaryotic DNA, generally supercoiled. The DNA must first be released into its relaxed state for access for transcription, regulation, and replication.

Eukaryotes

Organization of DNA in a eukaryotic cell.
See also: Eukaryotic chromosome fine structure

In eukaryotes, nuclear chromosomes are packaged by proteins into a condensed structure called chromatin. This allows the very long DNA molecules to fit into the cell nucleus. The structure of chromosomes and chromatin varies through the cell cycle. Chromosomes are even more condensed than chromatin and are an essential unit for cellular division. Chromosomes must be replicated, divided, and passed successfully to their daughter cells so as to ensure the genetic diversity and survival of their progeny. Chromosomes may exist as either duplicated or unduplicated. Unduplicated chromosomes are single linear strands, whereas duplicated chromosomes contain two identical copies (called chromatids or sister chromatids) joined by a centromere.

Fig. 2: The major structures in DNA compaction; DNA, the nucleosome, the 10nm "beads-on-a-string" fibre, the 30nm fibre and the metaphase chromosome.

Eukaryotes (cells with nuclei such as those found in plants, yeast, and animals) possess multiple large linear chromosomes contained in the cell's nucleus. Each chromosome has one centromere, with one or two arms projecting from the centromere, although, under most circumstances, these arms are not visible as such. In addition, most eukaryotes have a small circular mitochondrial genome, and some eukaryotes may have additional small circular or linear cytoplasmic chromosomes.

In the nuclear chromosomes of eukaryotes, the uncondensed DNA exists in a semi-ordered structure, where it is wrapped around histones (structural proteins), forming a composite material called chromatin.

Chromatin

Main article: Chromatin

Chromatin is the complex of DNA and protein found in the eukaryotic nucleus, which packages chromosomes. The structure of chromatin varies significantly between different stages of the cell cycle, according to the requirements of the DNA.

Interphase chromatin

During interphase (the period of the cell cycle where the cell is not dividing), two types of chromatin can be distinguished:

  • Euchromatin, which consists of DNA that is active, e.g., being expressed as protein.
  • Heterochromatin, which consists of mostly inactive DNA. It seems to serve structural purposes during the chromosomal stages. Heterochromatin can be further distinguished into two types:
    • Constitutive heterochromatin, which is never expressed. It is located around the centromere and usually contains repetitive sequences.
    • Facultative heterochromatin, which is sometimes expressed.

Metaphase chromatin and division

See also: mitosis and meiosis
Human chromosomes during metaphase

In the early stages of mitosis or meiosis (cell division), the chromatin strands become more and more condensed. They cease to function as accessible genetic material (transcription stops) and become a compact transportable form. This compact form makes the individual chromosomes visible, and they form the classic four arm structure, a pair of sister chromatids attached to each other at the centromere. The shorter arms are called p arms (from the French petit, small) and the longer arms are called q arms (q follows p in the Latin alphabet; q-g "grande"; alternatively it is sometimes said q is short for queue meaning tail in French[14]). This is the only natural context in which individual chromosomes are visible with an optical microscope.

During mitosis, microtubules grow from centrosomes located at opposite ends of the cell and also attach to the centromere at specialized structures called kinetochores, one of which is present on each sister chromatid. A special DNA base sequence in the region of the kinetochores provides, along with special proteins, longer-lasting attachment in this region. The microtubules then pull the chromatids apart toward the centrosomes, so that each daughter cell inherits one set of chromatids. Once the cells have divided, the chromatids are uncoiled and DNA can again be transcribed. In spite of their appearance, chromosomes are structurally highly condensed, which enables these giant DNA structures to be contained within a cell nucleus (Fig. 2).

Human chromosomes

Chromosomes in humans can be divided into two types: autosomes and sex chromosomes. Certain genetic traits are linked to a person's sex and are passed on through the sex chromosomes. The autosomes contain the rest of the genetic hereditary information. All act in the same way during cell division. Human cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes (22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes), giving a total of 46 per cell. In addition to these, human cells have many hundreds of copies of the mitochondrial genome. Sequencing of the human genome has provided a great deal of information about each of the chromosomes. Below is a table compiling statistics for the chromosomes, based on the Sanger Institute's human genome information in the Vertebrate Genome Annotation (VEGA) database.[15] Number of genes is an estimate as it is in part based on gene predictions. Total chromosome length is an estimate as well, based on the estimated size of unsequenced heterochromatin regions.

Estimated number of genes and base pairs (in mega base pairs) on each human chromosome
Chromosome Genes Total base pairs Sequenced base pairs[16] Cumulative (%)
1 2,000 247,199,719 224,999,719 7.9
2 1,300 242,751,149 237,712,649 16.2
3 1,000 199,446,827 194,704,827 23.0
4 1,000 191,263,063 187,297,063 29.6
5 900 180,837,866 177,702,766 35.8
6 1,000 170,896,993 167,273,993 41.6
7 900 158,821,424 154,952,424 47.1
8 700 146,274,826 142,612,826 52.0
9 800 140,442,298 120,312,298 56.3
10 700 135,374,737 131,624,737 60.9
11 1,300 134,452,384 131,130,853 65.4
12 1,100 132,289,534 130,303,534 70.0
13 300 114,127,980 95,559,980 73.4
14 800 106,360,585 88,290,585 76.4
15 600 100,338,915 81,341,915 79.3
16 800 88,822,254 78,884,754 82.0
17 1,200 78,654,742 77,800,220 84.8
18 200 76,117,153 74,656,155 87.4
19 1,500 63,806,651 55,785,651 89.3
20 500 62,435,965 59,505,254 91.4
21 200 46,944,323 34,171,998 92.6
22 500 49,528,953 34,893,953 93.8
X (sex chromosome) 800 154,913,754 151,058,754 99.1
Y (sex chromosome) 50 57,741,652 25,121,652 100.0
Total 20,000 to 25,000[17] 3,079,843,747 2,857,698,560 100.0

Number of chromosomes in various organisms

Main article: List of number of chromosomes of various organisms

Eukaryotes

These tables give the total number of chromosomes (including sex chromosomes) in a cell nucleus. For example, human cells are diploid and have 22 different types of autosome, each present as two copies, and two sex chromosomes. This gives 46 chromosomes in total. Other organisms have more than two copies of their chromosomes, such as bread wheat, which is hexaploid and has six copies of seven different chromosomes – 42 chromosomes in total.

Chromosome numbers in some plants
Plant Species #
Arabidopsis thaliana (diploid)[18] 10
Rye (diploid)[19] 14
Maize (diploid or palaeotetraploid)[20] 20
Einkorn wheat (diploid)[21] 14
Durum wheat (tetraploid)[21] 28
Bread wheat (hexaploid)[21] 42
Cultivated tobacco (tetraploid)[22] 48
Adder's tongue fern (diploid)[23] approx. 1,200
Chromosome numbers (2n) in some animals
Species # Species #
Common fruit fly 8 Guinea pig[24] 64
Guppy (poecilia reticulata)[25] 46 Garden snail[26] 54
Earthworm (Octodrilus complanatus)[27] 36
Pill millipede (Arthrosphaera fumosa)[28] 30
Tibetan fox 36
Domestic cat[29] 38 Domestic pig 38
Laboratory mouse[30][31] 40 Laboratory rat[31] 42
Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)[32] 44 Syrian hamster[30] 44
Hares[33][34] 48 Human[35] 46
Gorillas, chimpanzees[35] 48 Domestic sheep 54
Elephants[36] 56 Cow 60
Donkey 62 Horse 64
Dog[37] 78 Kingfisher[38] 132
Goldfish[39] 100-104 Silkworm[40] 56
Chromosome numbers in other organisms
Species Large
Chromosomes		 Intermediate
Chromosomes		 Microchromosomes
Trypanosoma brucei 11 6 ~100
Domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestics)[41] 18 - 59-63
Chicken[42] 8 2 sex chromosomes 60

Normal members of a particular eukaryotic species all have the same number of nuclear chromosomes (see the table). Other eukaryotic chromosomes, i.e., mitochondrial and plasmid-like small chromosomes, are much more variable in number, and there may be thousands of copies per cell.

The 23 human chromosome territories during prometaphase in fibroblast cells.

Asexually reproducing species have one set of chromosomes, which are the same in all body cells. However, asexual species can be either haploid or diploid.

Sexually reproducing species have somatic cells (body cells), which are diploid [2n] having two sets of chromosomes (23 pairs in humans with one set of 23 chromosomes from each parent), one set from the mother and one from the father. Gametes, reproductive cells, are haploid [n]: They have one set of chromosomes. Gametes are produced by meiosis of a diploid germ line cell. During meiosis, the matching chromosomes of father and mother can exchange small parts of themselves (crossover), and thus create new chromosomes that are not inherited solely from either parent. When a male and a female gamete merge (fertilization), a new diploid organism is formed.

Some animal and plant species are polyploid [Xn]: They have more than two sets of homologous chromosomes. Plants important in agriculture such as tobacco or wheat are often polyploid, compared to their ancestral species. Wheat has a haploid number of seven chromosomes, still seen in some cultivars as well as the wild progenitors. The more-common pasta and bread wheats are polyploid, having 28 (tetraploid) and 42 (hexaploid) chromosomes, compared to the 14 (diploid) chromosomes in the wild wheat.[43]

Prokaryotes

Prokaryote species generally have one copy of each major chromosome, but most cells can easily survive with multiple copies.[44] For example, Buchnera, a symbiont of aphids has multiple copies of its chromosome, ranging from 10–400 copies per cell.[45] However, in some large bacteria, such as Epulopiscium fishelsoni up to 100,000 copies of the chromosome can be present.[46] Plasmids and plasmid-like small chromosomes are, as in eukaryotes, highly variable in copy number. The number of plasmids in the cell is almost entirely determined by the rate of division of the plasmid – fast division causes high copy number.

Karyotype

Main article: Karyotype
Figure 3: Karyogram of a human male

In general, the karyotype is the characteristic chromosome complement of a eukaryote species.[47] The preparation and study of karyotypes is part of cytogenetics.

Although the replication and transcription of DNA is highly standardized in eukaryotes, the same cannot be said for their karyotypes, which are often highly variable. There may be variation between species in chromosome number and in detailed organization. In some cases, there is significant variation within species. Often there is:

1. variation between the two sexes
2. variation between the germ-line and soma (between gametes and the rest of the body)
3. variation between members of a population, due to balanced genetic polymorphism
4. geographical variation between races
5. mosaics or otherwise abnormal individuals.

Also, variation in karyotype may occur during development from the fertilised egg.

The technique of determining the karyotype is usually called karyotyping. Cells can be locked part-way through division (in metaphase) in vitro (in a reaction vial) with colchicine. These cells are then stained, photographed, and arranged into a karyogram, with the set of chromosomes arranged, autosomes in order of length, and sex chromosomes (here X/Y) at the end: Fig. 3.

Like many sexually reproducing species, humans have special gonosomes (sex chromosomes, in contrast to autosomes). These are XX in females and XY in males.

Historical note

Investigation into the human karyotype took many years to settle the most basic question: How many chromosomes does a normal diploid human cell contain? In 1912, Hans von Winiwarter reported 47 chromosomes in spermatogonia and 48 in oogonia, concluding an XX/XO sex determination mechanism.[48] Painter in 1922 was not certain whether the diploid number of man is 46 or 48, at first favouring 46.[49] He revised his opinion later from 46 to 48, and he correctly insisted on humans having an XX/XY system.[50]

New techniques were needed to definitively solve the problem:

  1. Using cells in culture
  2. Arresting mitosis in metaphase by a solution of colchicine
  3. Pretreating cells in a hypotonic solution 0.075 m KCl, which swells them and spreads the chromosomes
  4. Squashing the preparation on the slide forcing the chromosomes into a single plane
  5. Cutting up a photomicrograph and arranging the result into an indisputable karyogram.

It took until 1954 before the human diploid number was confirmed as 46.[51][52] Considering the techniques of Winiwarter and Painter, their results were quite remarkable.[53] Chimpanzees (the closest living relatives to modern humans) have 48 chromosomes (as well as the other great apes: in humans two chromosomes fused to form chromosome 2).

Aberrations

Main articles: Chromosome abnormality and aneuploidy
The three major single chromosome mutations; deletion (1), duplication (2) and inversion (3).
The two major two-chromosome mutations; insertion (1) and translocation (2).
In Down syndrome, there are three copies of chromosome 21

Chromosomal aberrations are disruptions in the normal chromosomal content of a cell and are a major cause of genetic conditions in humans, such as Down syndrome, although most aberrations have little to no effect. Some chromosome abnormalities do not cause disease in carriers, such as translocations, or chromosomal inversions, although they may lead to a higher chance of bearing a child with a chromosome disorder. Abnormal numbers of chromosomes or chromosome sets, called aneuploidy, may be lethal or may give rise to genetic disorders. Genetic counseling is offered for families that may carry a chromosome rearrangement.

The gain or loss of DNA from chromosomes can lead to a variety of genetic disorders. Human examples include:

  • Cri du chat, which is caused by the deletion of part of the short arm of chromosome 5. "Cri du chat" means "cry of the cat" in French; the condition was so-named because affected babies make high-pitched cries that sound like those of a cat. Affected individuals have wide-set eyes, a small head and jaw, moderate to severe mental health problems, and are very short.
  • Down syndrome, the most common trisomy, usually caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). Characteristics include decreased muscle tone, stockier build, asymmetrical skull, slanting eyes and mild to moderate developmental disability.[54]
  • Edwards syndrome, or trisomy-18, the second most common trisomy.[citation needed] Symptoms include motor retardation, developmental disability and numerous congenital anomalies causing serious health problems. Ninety percent of those affected die in infancy. They have characteristic clenched hands and overlapping fingers.
  • Isodicentric 15, also called idic(15), partial tetrasomy 15q, or inverted duplication 15 (inv dup 15).
  • Jacobsen syndrome, which is very rare. It is also called the terminal 11q deletion disorder.[55] Those affected have normal intelligence or mild developmental disability, with poor expressive language skills. Most have a bleeding disorder called Paris-Trousseau syndrome.
  • Klinefelter syndrome (XXY). Men with Klinefelter syndrome are usually sterile, and tend to be taller and have longer arms and legs than their peers. Boys with the syndrome are often shy and quiet, and have a higher incidence of speech delay and dyslexia. Without testosterone treatment, some may develop gynecomastia during puberty.
  • Patau Syndrome, also called D-Syndrome or trisomy-13. Symptoms are somewhat similar to those of trisomy-18, without the characteristic folded hand.
  • Small supernumerary marker chromosome. This means there is an extra, abnormal chromosome. Features depend on the origin of the extra genetic material. Cat-eye syndrome and isodicentric chromosome 15 syndrome (or Idic15) are both caused by a supernumerary marker chromosome, as is Pallister-Killian syndrome.
  • Triple-X syndrome (XXX). XXX girls tend to be tall and thin and have a higher incidence of dyslexia.
  • Turner syndrome (X instead of XX or XY). In Turner syndrome, female sexual characteristics are present but underdeveloped. Females with Turner syndrome often have a short stature, low hairline, abnormal eye features and bone development and a "caved-in" appearance to the chest.
  • XYY syndrome. XYY boys are usually taller than their siblings. Like XXY boys and XXX girls, they are more likely to have learning difficulties.
  • Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, which is caused by partial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 4. It is characterized by growth retardation, delayed motor skills development, "Greek Helmet" facial features, and mild to profound mental health problems.

See also

Notes and references

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