Chromosome, DNA, RNA
Chromosome, DNA, RNA
Chromosome, DNA, RNA
What is Chromosome?
Chromosomes are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant
cells. Each chromosome is made of protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA). Passed from parents to offspring, DNA contains the specific instructions that make
each type of living creature unique.
The term chromosome comes from the Greek words for color (chroma) and body (soma).
Scientists gave this name to chromosomes because they are cell structures, or bodies, that
are strongly stained by some colorful dyes used in research.
For an organism to grow and function properly, cells must constantly divide to produce new
cells to replace old, worn-out cells. During cell division, it is essential that DNA remains intact
and evenly distributed among cells. Chromosomes are a key part of the process that
ensures DNA is accurately copied and distributed in the vast majority of cell divisions. Still,
mistakes do occur on rare occasions.
Changes in the number or structure of chromosomes in new cells may lead to serious
problems. For example, in humans, one type of leukemia and some other cancers are
caused by defective chromosomes made up of joined pieces of broken chromosomes.
It is also crucial that reproductive cells, such as eggs and sperm, contain the right number of
chromosomes and that those chromosomes have the correct structure. If not, the resulting
offspring may fail to develop properly. For example, people with Down syndrome have three
copies of chromosome 21, instead of the two copies found in other people .
Chromosome, differences between DNA and RNA
basis.
DNA is completely
protected by the body i.e. RNA strands are
Destruction and re-use the body destroys continually made, broken
enzymes that down and reused.
cleave DNA.
• Storing genetic
information
• Transferring genetic
• Directs protein
information from the DNA
synthesis
to proteins
• Determines genetic
Function • Carrying it outside the
coding
nucleus
• Directly responsible for
• Translating it to
metabolic activities,
proteins
evolution, heredity, and
differentiation.
Rate of Renaturation
Relatively slower Quick
After Melting