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What is the difference between a chromosome and a gene?
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What is the difference between chromosomes and alleles?
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How do genes and chromosomes work together?
Why do chromosomes carry DNA?
A gene is a short length of DNA found on a chromosome that codes for a particular characteristic or protein. Alleles are different forms of the same gene. For...
- Genetic Inheritance
One chromosome is inherited from the mother and one is...
- Genetic Inheritance
- Overview
- What is a chromosome?
- What is a gene?
- Genes vs. chromosomes
- Gene vs. chromosome variations
- DNA and RNA
- Other terminology
- Summary
Chromosomes are thread-like structures comprising DNA that are present inside the nucleus of every cell in the body. Specific segments of DNA are called genes.
Every chromosome contains many genes, with each having a different function. For example, some instruct cells on how to make certain proteins. Overall, the function of chromosomes and genes is to tell cells how to replicate, informing how the body grows and develops.
In this article, we will look at the differences between genes versus chromosomes, what each one does, and how they affect health.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
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Nearly every cell in the body contains a nucleus. Inside each nucleus are chromosomes, which consist of DNA, the genetic material that instructs cells how to divide and grow.
Chromosomes have a cross or butterfly-like shape, with four arms — most human cells contain 23 pairs of them. One set comes from each of a person’s biological parents.
One of these 23 pairs is a set of sex chromosomes, which influences someone’s biological sex. If a person inherits two copies of the X sex chromosome, they will likely have female characteristics. If they inherit one copy of the X chromosome and one of the Y chromosome, they will likely have male characteristics.
The other 22 pairs of chromosomes in each cell are responsible for other characteristics. The scientific name for these is autosomes.
Genes are specific segments of DNA coiled around a chromosome. It is necessary to understand what DNA is in more detail to understand them.
DNA consists of four chemicals, or “bases.” They are:
•adenine (A)
•guanine (G)
•cytosine (C)
•thymine (T)
The table below summarizes some of the key differences between genes and chromosomes.
Both genes and chromosomes can have variations that influence health. Some variations directly cause health conditions, while others may only raise or lower the risk of a condition.
Chromosomal variations involve larger-scale changes than genetic variations and may involve:
•differences in the number of chromosomes inside cells
•changes in the structure or function of a specific chromosome or autosome
•the rearrangement, duplication, or deletion of segments of whole genes in a chromosome
In contrast, genetic changes are smaller in scale. Some variations in genes do not affect a person’s health, while others do. The different types of gene variation include:
RNA is similar to DNA in that it also carries genetic information. However, there are several differences in their function, structure, and how they operate.
DNA is responsible for the long-term storage of genetic information in the nuclei of cells. The job of RNA is to transfer that information out of the nucleus and into ribosomes, another part of the cell.
Ribosomes can then use this information to make proteins. So, where DNA acts as storage for a person’s genetic code, RNA acts as a messenger, allowing cells to use it.
Additionally, while DNA replicates itself, RNA cannot. Instead, the body makes it out of DNA as often as necessary. They also have different shapes: DNA forms a double helix, while RNA is a single helix.
Below are the definitions of other technical terms relating to genes and chromosomes:
•Genome: This refers collectively to all of the genes a species has. For example, the human genome includes all the genes humans typically possess.
•Genotype: This is the unique collection of genetic material belonging to an organism.
•Phenotype: This describes observable genetic traits, such as eye color and blood type.
•Genomics: Genomics is the study of a whole genome, or part of a genome, including how different genes interact with each other.
•Epigenetics: This is the study of how environment and behavior affect how genes work.
Genes and chromosomes are both different types of genetic material. Chromosomes are thread-like structures that sit in the nucleus of cells and consist of chains of tightly coiled DNA. Genes are segments of DNA strands.
Most cells in the human body contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, which includes 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. The latter influence biological sex.
- Amy Murnan
May 20, 2022 · Chromosomes carry DNA in cells. DNA is responsible for building and maintaining your human structure. Genes are segments of your DNA, which give you physical characteristics that make you unique. Together, your body has a complete instruction manual that tells your cells how to behave.
One chromosome is inherited from the mother and one is inherited from the father. The chromosome in each pair carries the same gene in the same location.
Both genes and chromosome play an equally important role in holding the information. The chromosome has many genes and these genes hold the information to build the specific proteins. Let us learn more in detail about the difference between genes and chromosomes.
Aug 22, 2024 · Genes, DNA, and chromosomes make up the human genome. Learn the role they play in genetics, inheritance, physical traits, and your risk of disease.
Genes are segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that contain the code for a specific protein that functions in one or more types of cells in the body or the code for functional ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules. Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain a person's genes.
