Chromosomal Organisation

Chromosomes – the colored bodies of life! Found in your nucleus and made of DNA + protein

Who Discovered Chromosomes?

Observed by Strasburger (1875) and Flemming (1882)Named by Waldeyer in 1888

When Are Chromosomes Visible?

"In the Metaphase stage of cell division, chromosomes appear clearly under a microscope."

What Are Chromosomes Made Of?

DNA RNA Histone & Non-histone proteins Ions: Ca, Mg, Zn

Chromosome Numbers (2n)

Human: 2n = 46 Onion: 2n = 16 Maize: 2n = 20 Tomato: 2n = 24 Wheat: 2n = 42

Diploid & Haploid Concept

– Somatic cells: 2n (diploid) – Gametes: n (haploid) After fertilization: n + n = 2n

DNA in Chromosomes

– Controls metabolism & heredity – Exists as Unique (Exons) & Repetitive DNA (Introns) – 30–35% is unique in eukaryotes