Peter O’Shea

10/31/10
Biology
Outline Chap. 8
AMDG

CHROMOSOMES: SECTION 1

 During cell division, DNA in a eukaryotic cell’s nucleus is coiled into very compact structures
called chromosomes.
 Levels: Cell, Coil within chromosome, further coiling within cell, DNA and histones, DNA
double helix
 Chromosome: rod-shaped structures made of DNA and proteins
 In Eukaryotic cells, DNA wraps tightly around proteins called histones
 Nonhistone proteins involved in controlling activity of specific regions of DNA
 Chromosome: two identical halves called chromatids
 Chromatids form as the DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division
 Centromere: point where chromatids attached
 Holds two chromatids together until cell division
 DNA uncoils in cell division so info can be used to direct activities of the cell
 This is called chromatin
 Chromosomes simpler in prokaryotes than eukaryotes
 Most DNA in prokaryotes has one chromosome, attached to inside of cell membrane.
 They consist of a circular DNA molecule

 Adder’s tongue fern  1,262

 Carrot  18
 Cat  32
 Chimp  48
 Dog  78
 Earthworm  36
 Fruit Fly  8
 Garden pea  20
 Gorilla  48
 Horse  64
 Human  46
 Lettuce  18
 Orangutan  48
 Sand Dollar  52
 Organism  # OF CHROMOSOMES
 Sex chromosomes: determine sex of an organism, may also carry genes for other
characteristics
 X or Y: Females, 2 X. Males, XY
 Peter O’Shea
10/31/10
Biology
Outline Chap. 8
AMDG

 Autosomes: rest of chromosomes: 2 are sex in human, 44 are autosomes

 Homologous Chromosome: two copies of each autosome
 Same size and shape and carry genes for same traits
 Karyotype: photomicrograph of the chromosomes in a normal dividing cell found in a
human
 22 homologous pairs of autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes
 Diploid: Cells having 2 sets of chromosomes (2n)… 22 pairs of homologous autosomes, 2 sex
chromosomes
 All human cells except sperm and egg are diploid
 Haploid: cells that have one pair of chromosomes (1n)… one autosome of each homologous
pair and one sex chromosome
SECTION 2: CELL DIVISON
 Prokaryotes: cell walls, no nuclei, membrane-bound organelles
 Single DNA not coiled around proteins
 Circular chromosome attached to inner surface of the plasma membrane
 Binary fission: division of a prokaryotic cell into 2 offspring cells…DNA copied resulting in 2
identical chromosomes attached to the inside of the prokaryote’s inner cell membrane
 New cell membrane begins to develop between 2 DNA copies. Grows until it is
approximately 2 times the cell’s original size. Growing cell membrane pushes inward and
cell is constricted in center. New cell wall forms around new membrane. Splits into 2
independent cells.