Chromosome

In the nucleus of each cell, the DNA molecule is packaged into thread-like structures called chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of DNA tightly coiled many times around proteins called histones that support its structure.

What is a Chromosome?

Chromosomes are the basic building blocks of life where the entire genome of an organism is essentially organized and stored in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) which is present inside every cell making up that organism. A chromosome is a single chain of DNA that is coiled and super coiled to form dense thread-like pieces. The term chromosome is derived from the Greek words "chroma" or color and "some" or body and is so named because chromosomes have the ability to be stained with dyes.

Chromosome History

Chromosomes in Eukaryotes

Chromosomes in Prokaryotes

Chromosome Karyotype

Human Chromosomes

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Common Chromosomal Disorders (Chromosomes 1-5 and X and Y)

What is Chromosome 1?

What is Chromosome 2?

What is Chromosome 3?

What is Chromosome 4?

See more featured articles »

What is Chromosome 5?

What is the X Chromosome?

What is the Y Chromosome?

Latest Chromosome News and Research

Genetic variant identified as potential predictor for severe ulcerative colitis

The HLA-DRB1*01:03 genetic variant is associated with severe ulcerative colitis, significantly raising the risk of major surgeries and hospitalizations.

21 Oct 2024

Study reveals gender differences in Rett syndrome progression

A new UC Davis MIND Institute study offers critical insights into Rett syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects mostly girls.

17 Oct 2024

Transposons play essential role in early human development

A critical transition in early human development is regulated not by our own genes, but by DNA elements called transposons that can move around the genome, Sinai Health researchers have found.

16 Oct 2024

Researchers identify shared genetic variants between testosterone traits and PCOS

A genome-wide study reveals significant genetic overlap between polycystic ovary syndrome and testosterone-related traits, highlighting shared causal variants.

16 Oct 2024

Genetic insights transform treatment for children with developmental disorders

Thousands of children with severe developmental disorders have benefited from more targeted treatments and support with genetic insights from the large-scale Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) study, finds a new study.

15 Oct 2024

Epigenomic dynamics shape human brain development and neuropsychiatric disorder risks

Researchers investigate chromatin conformational and epigenomic reorganization during the development of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

14 Oct 2024

First map of DNA modification in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex created

A UCLA-led study has provided an unprecedented look at how gene regulation evolves during human brain development, showing how the 3D structure of chromatin -; DNA and proteins -; plays a critical role.

9 Oct 2024

CrestOptics and Leica Microsystems announce strategic collaboration to expand capabilities of spinning disk microscopy

The collaboration between CrestOptics and Leica Microsystems combines CICERO spinning disk technology with THUNDER platform for superior microscopy solutions.

From CrestOptics 8 Oct 2024

New study links pulmonary carcinoid aggressiveness to TERT gene activation

Pulmonary carcinoids are rare tumors of the lung with extremely different clinical courses. In many patients, they behave like benign tumors; surgical removal of the tumor leads to a complete cure. However, some patients experience aggressive growth and spread (metastasis) of the tumor with poor chances of recovery. The biological causes of these different forms of the disease are still unknown.

3 Oct 2024

Study reveals genetic elements driving Klebsiella pneumoniae hypervirulence

More than a decade ago, physicians around the world began reporting cases due to a new hypervirulent strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae, which could infect and severely sicken otherwise healthy people.

1 Oct 2024

Researchers advance ovarian cancer detection using cfDNA fragmentomes and protein biomarkers

Researchers developed a groundbreaking method to detect ovarian cancer early by analyzing cfDNA fragmentomes and protein biomarkers, significantly improving sensitivity and specificity over existing approaches.

1 Oct 2024

Vitamin B12 boosts testosterone levels in men with infertility

Research finds that higher serum vitamin B12 levels are associated with improved testosterone concentrations in men with infertility, but no impact on other reproductive hormones.

30 Sep 2024

Why children with Down’s syndrome are predisposed to developing leukaemia

The study uncovers mechanisms linking Down syndrome to leukemia, emphasizing the role of oxidative stress and genetic alterations in fetal blood development.

26 Sep 2024

Study uncovers genetic changes linked to leukemia risk in people with Down's syndrome

People with Down's syndrome face a higher risk of developing Leukemia. Now researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Stanford University explain why, by identifying specific changes in blood cells of people with Down's syndrome.

25 Sep 2024

Study uncovers novel genetic variant associated with intellectual disability

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have published a pivotal study in Nature Genetics (DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01917-1) that sheds light on a novel genetic variant associated with intellectual capacities and educational outcomes.

23 Sep 2024

Innovative triplet therapy shows encouraging results in advanced chronic myeloid leukemia

According to researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 80% of patients with previously untreated or relapsed/refractory advanced-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) – including both accelerated or myeloid blast phases of the disease – or Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) achieved a bone marrow remission when treated with a novel combination of decitabine, venetoclax and ponatinib.

17 Sep 2024

Study uncovers ancestry-specific genetic links to multiple sclerosis risk

A landmark study has uncovered novel ancestry-specific genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis (MS), offering new insights that could reshape treatment approaches for diverse populations affected by the disease.

17 Sep 2024

How nutrition and telomere dynamics shape beauty and aging in women

Research explores the intricate relationship between health, beauty, and aging in women, emphasizing the critical roles of telomere dynamics and nutrition in promoting longevity and vitality.

17 Sep 2024

Coordinated health teams may help improve outcomes for children with Trisomy 21 and heart conditions

A coordinated, multidisciplinary health care team to address the specific physical, psychological and developmental needs of children with Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome, and congenital heart disease may help children with these conditions lead longer and more productive lives, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association.

13 Sep 2024

MSK researchers identify a new, rare type of small cell lung cancer

A team of doctors and researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have identified a new, rare type of small cell lung cancer that primarily affects younger people who have never smoked.

11 Sep 2024