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Eukaryotic Chromosomes (DP IB Biology: SL)

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Eukaryotic Chromosomes

  • Chromosomes in eukaryotic cells are one, very long DNA molecule associated with proteins
    • The main proteins present are the large, positively charged globular proteins called histones, their role is to organise and wrap the DNA tightly so that it fits into the nucleus
    • The other proteins are enzymes used in copying and repairing the DNA

  • The tightly coiled combination of DNA and proteins is called chromatin – this is what chromosomes are made of

Chromatin and histone proteins, downloadable AS & A Level Biology revision notesDNA is coiled around histone proteins to form chromatin

The replication of chromosomes

  • During interphase (the period before mitosis) the DNA replicates to create two identical strands of DNA called chromatids, joined together by a narrow region called the centromere
  • The two chromatids that make up the double structure of a chromosome are known as ‘sister chromatids’
  • It is important that the sister chromatids are identical in order to produce genetically identical daughter cells via mitosis
    • During anaphase of mitosis one chromatid ends up in one daughter cell while the other chromatid ends up in the other daughter cell
    • After the centromere is split apart at the start of anaphase the chromatids are referred to as individual chromosomes again

The structure of a chromosome at different stages of mitosis 1_1, downloadable IB Biology revision notesThe structure of a chromosome at different stages of mitosis 2, downloadable IB Biology revision notes

Diagram illustrating the structure of a chromosome at different stages of mitosis

Examiner Tip

It is important to distinguish between the terms chromatid, sister chromatids and chromosomes.

Different Types of Chromosomes

  • In a eukaryote species, there are different chromosomes that carry different genes
  • During mitosis, chromosomes become denser by supercoiling, so are easier to observe than when they are in interphase
  • Different types of chromosomes can be seen
    • They differ in length and the position of the centromere

  • Humans have 23 types of chromosomes
    • The largest one is numbered 1
    • The smallest is numbered 22
    • Pair 23 is the pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY)

  • Humans have between 20,000 and 25,000 genes across all 46 chromosomes
  • Specific genes always appear at the same locus (position) of a particular chromosome, for example:
    • The SRY gene found on the Y chromosome causes the development of male genitalia such as the testes
    • The genes that determine eye colour are located on chromosome 15
    • The gene with a faulty version that leads to the disease cystic fibrosis is located on chromosome 7

  • In other words, each chromosome type contains specific genes arranged in a standard sequence
    • This property allows for the exchange of genetic material between chromosomes during meiosis

Chromosomes showing gene and loci, downloadable AS & A Level Biology revision notes

A pair of homologous chromosomes showing the loci of various alleles

Homologous Chromosomes

  • In diploid cells there are two complete sets of chromosomes in the nucleus
  • Homologous chromosomes
    • Carry the same genes at the same loci
    • Are the same shape
    • Are not usually identical because they may be carrying different alleles to each other

  • During fertilization, a diploid zygote is formed
    • In a zygote, one chromosome of each homologous pair comes from the female gamete and the other comes from the male gamete

  • Having the same genes in the same loci helps homologous chromosomes line up alongside each other during Metaphase 1 of meiosis
  • In photomicrographs, chromosomes are often grouped into their homologous pairs
    • These are shown in a picture format as a karyogram

Human Karyogram showing Homologous pairs, downloadable AS & A Level Biology revision notes

Human karyogram showing homologous chromosomes

Examiner Tip

Although homologous pairs of chromosomes contain the same genes in the same order they don’t necessarily carry the same alleles (form) of each gene!

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Phil

Author: Phil

Expertise: Biology

Phil has a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham, followed by an MBA from Manchester Business School. He has 15 years of teaching and tutoring experience, teaching Biology in schools before becoming director of a growing tuition agency. He has also examined Biology for one of the leading UK exam boards. Phil has a particular passion for empowering students to overcome their fear of numbers in a scientific context.