DNA: the basis of heredity - Chromosomes

5 important questions on DNA: the basis of heredity - Chromosomes

How many chromosomes (Dna molecules) are in the nucleus of human cells


46 (23 paren) 22 autosome pairs and 1 pair sex chromosomes
Man 22 pairs autosomes + x-y
Vrouw 22 pairs autosomes + 2 X chromosomes.
You get 23 chromosomes from your father and 23 chromosomes from your mother and together they will make the 46 chromosomes.

Cell division / Mitosis


First there is DNA replication
The duplicated chromosomes will line up in the center of the cell
The copies chromosomes are seperated
The cell divides into two --> each cell contains full set of chromosomes.

Meiosis cell division


First there is Dna replication
Then a process called crossing over occurs --> chromosomes exchange parts making unique combination of the genome
The duplicated chromosomes will line up in the center of the cell
The copied chromosomes are separated
The cell divides into two --> each cell contains full set of chromosomes
The chromosome pairs will line up in the center of the cell.
The chromosomes pairs are separated
The cell divides into two --> each cell contains half set of chromosomes.
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What can we measure DNA


Dna whole genome sequence (even of a single cell).
Single nucleotide variations (point mutations in DNA)
Sturctural variation
Intertions/deletions

Mistakes in copying chromosomes common


Common copying error during meiosis --> nondisjunction --> an uneven split of the pairs of chromosomes.
This can lead to down syndrome --> child has an extra 21 chromosome.
Babies with thee chromosomes (trisomy) or with trisomy 18.

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