Basics of Chromosomes

A chromosome is an organized package of DNA found in the nucleus of the

cell. Different organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans
have 23 pairs of chromosomes--22 pairs of numbered chromosomes, called
autosomes, and one pair of sex chromosomes, X and Y. Each parent
contributes one chromosome to each pair so that offspring get half of their
chromosomes from their mother and half from their father.
Chromosomes
Hand Genes
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are the blueprint for how our body grows and functions. They are found
in every cell of our body and contain the instructions for things like the
shape of our nose and the size of our feet. It is estimated that we have
over 30, 000 different genes in our body. Our genes are made up of a
chemical called DNA.

Genes are packaged into structures called chromosomes. Under a special

microscope, genes appear similar to beads running down the length of a
stringy chromosome. In each cell of our body we have 46 chromosomes that
are matched up into 23 pairs.
String of beads
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The exception is that the egg and sperm cells each have only 23
chromosomes so that when they come together to make a baby, the
baby will get 46 chromosomes.

The first 22 chromosomes are the same in men and women. They are called
autosomes. The 23rd pair of chromosomes are the sex chromosomes. If a
person is female, they have two X chromosomes. If a person is male, they
have one X and one Y chromosome.
Scientists in the laboratory are able to make a picture of our chromosomes
(called a karyotype). They match up the chromosomes into pairs and line
up the pairs from biggest to smallest. This allows the scientist to easily check
if there are any missing or extra chromosomes or if there are any
rearrangements between chromosomes. You can also tell an individuals
gender from the chromosome picture.
The picture above shows a mans chromosomes. Note that he has 46
chromosomes, found in 23 pairs. He has one X chromosome and one Y
chromosome (the bottom right pair).

Having an extra or missing chromosome, or having an alteration in the genes

that are lined up on the chromosomes will have an affect on the growth and
functioning of the body and may cause birth defects or mental retardation.
How do we inherit chromosomes from our parents?

We inherit one copy of each chromosome pair from our mother, and one
copy of each pair from our father. The picture below illustrates that typically
the egg contains 23 chromosomes (shown in pink) and the sperm contains
23 chromosomes (shown in blue). When they join at conception, the baby
ends up with a full set of 46 chromosomes

Basics of Chromosomes