chromosomes
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1) Explain the structure of the Chromosomes.
DNA is a long, thin molecule that contains the charaterics of a cell and its activities. This vast amount of vital information encoded in DNA is organized into genes. A gene is a segment of DNA that transmits information from parent to offspring. A single molecule of DNA has thousands of genes, which are linked up like the railroad cars of a train. When genes are being used, the strand of DNA is extended, enabling other molecules to retrieve its information. However, when a cell prepares to divide, the DNA molecule coils and twists into a dense structure called a chromosome. It is a rod shaped structure that forms when a single DNA molecule and its associated proteins coil tightly before cell division.
2) Explain what consequences occur to humans when chromosome structure or numbers are changed. Use at least 5 real examples...