Chapter 2, Problem 23PDQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

The description of chromosomes fixed at the metaphase stage.

Introduction:

The genetic material or the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of all the eukaryotes is packed in the nucleus in the form of threads. These threads are called the chromosomes. The packing of the DNA is done with the help of some histone proteins to accommodate the long DNA in a tiny cell. Chromosomes occur in pairs in all cells, except in gametes. The number of chromosomes in different species varies. Twelve chromosomes fixed on a slide at the metaphase stage out of which two are small. The other chromosomes apart from these are similar looking with respect to the position of the centromere and their length.