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Prokaryotic chromosome
Consists of a single, circular DNA molecule containing all the genes needed for the cell’s basic life processes
Characteristics of prokaryotic chromosome
Plasmid
Small extra DNA molecule
Characteristics of plasmids
Replication of plasmids
Conjugation
Process in which copies of plasmids are transferred from one cell to another
Steps of conjugation
Plasmids in gene transfer
Eukaryotic chromosomes
Consists of a single immensely long linear DNA molecule that is wrapped around histone proteins
Histone proteins
Globular proteins that are wider than the DNA
Arrangement of histone proteins
Adjacent histones are separated by short stretched of DNA molecule that is not wrapped around a protein
Replication of chromosomes
During interphase, DNA is replicated to create two identical strands, called chromatids
Sister chromatids
Pair of chromatids that make up the double structure of a chromosome; formed by DNA replication
Centromere
Narrow region that joins sister chromatids together
When and how are chromosomes visible?
In interphase, they are too narrow to be seen under a microscope. In mitosis/meiosis, they become much shorter and fatter by supercoiling. Hence. they are visible through stains that bind to either the DNA or the proteins
How do chromosomes physically differ from each other?
In length an in the position of the centromere (close to the end or to the center)
Minimum amount of chromosome TYPES in eukaryotes + # in humans
At least 2. In humans, there are 23
Genetic material in chromosomes
Homologous chromosomes
Chromosomes that carry the same sequence of genes but not necessarily the same alleles
Homologous chromosomes in eukaryotes
Each chromosome in an eukaryote is homologous to at least one chromosome in a second eukaryote of the same species. This allows breeding within members of a species
Types of nucleus
Haploid and diploid
Haploid nucleus
Nucleus that has a full set of chromosomes (n), that is, one chromosome of each type
Gamete
A haploid cell involved in sexual reproduction: the female egg and the male sperm
Diploid nucleus
Nucleus that has two full sets of chromosomes (2n), that is, two of each type
Characteristics of diploid nuclei
Benefits of having two copies of the same gene
Hybrid vigor
Phenomenon in which organisms with two different alleles have stronger growth and health
Why can’t members of different species breed?
During fertilization, both gametes must have the same number of chromosomes in order for the zygote to be viable. However, each species has a characteristic number of chromosomes
Number of chromosomes + evolution
Sex determination
In humans, it is determined by one pair of chromosomes (pair 23)
Autosome chromosomes
Chromosomes that do not determine the sex of offspring (pairs 1 to 22)
Chromosomes in human gametes
What determines the offspring’s sex?
The chromosome that is carried by the sperm that fertilizes the egg:
Physical differences between X and Y chromosomes
Genes in X chromosome
Genes in Y chromosome
Example of gene in Y chromosome
SRY or TDF gene
SRY or TDF gene
Gene involved in the development of testicles and testosterone production
Karyogram
A micrograph of all chromosomes in homologous pairs, arranged from longest to shortest
How is a karyogram made?
A cell in mitosis is stained and placed on a microscope slide. It is then burst by pressing the cover slip, spreading out the chromosomes
How are chromosomes of a different type but similar size distinguished?
By the position of the centromere and the binding pattern of the chromosome (revealed by the stain)
Karyotype
The number and types of chromosomes that an organism has in its cell nuclei
What are karyotypes used for?
Down syndrome
When an individual has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two
Symptoms of Down Syndrome
Distinctive facial features, hearing loss, heart and vision disorders, and mental and growth retardation
Autoradiography
Technique used to study DNA by labelling it using radioactive isotopes
John Crains
Use autoradiography to measure the length of DNA molecules in E. coli
Describe Crains’ autoradiography
Cells were grown for two generations in a culture medium containing tritiated thymidine
Cell walls were digested by the enzyme lysozyme, releasing the free-flowing DNA
DNA was fixed into position onto a dialysis membrane
Thin film of photographic emulsion was applied to the surface of the membrane an left in darkness for two months
After two months, the film was developed an examined in a microscope
Crains’ discovery
E. coli contains a single, circular chromosome of DNA with a length of 1100μm (very long since cell is 2μm)
Uses of Crains’ method
Used to produce images of eukaryotic chromosomes. A chromosome from a fruit fly revealed that eukaryotic DNA was linear rather than circular