Author name: Venkat S. R.

Plasmids are small, circular pieces of DNA that exist independently from the chromosome in bacterial cells.

They can be found in many different types of bacteria and can carry a variety of genetic information.

Read on to know the differences between plasmids and chromosomes.

Homologous recombination occurs during the first round of meiosis, called meiosis I, and more specifically, during a stage called prophase I.

During this stage, homologous chromosomes pair up and form a complex called the synaptonemal complex (SC).

Learn more about homologous recombination and where it occurs.

A fragmented chromosome refers to a suspended section of a chromosome.

They can have harmful effects on cellular function and overall health.

Learn more about fragmented chromosomes and why they’re harmful.

Nondisjunction is a term used to describe a type of genetic abnormality that can occur during the process of cell division.

In normal cell division, chromosomes are separated and distributed evenly between the two daughter cells.

However, in cases of nondisjunction, the chromosomes fail to separate properly, resulting in an uneven distribution of genetic material.

Learn how and when it happens, and its harmful effects.

Chromosomes are long, thin, thread-like structures found inside the nucleus of every cell in our body.

They contain the genetic information that makes us who we are.

Read on to know the chemical components that make up chromosomes and why it’s crucial for understanding genetics and medicine.

Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that carry the same genes in the same locations, one from the mother and one from the father.

Read on to know why homologous chromosomes separate during meiosis.

The condensation of chromosomes is a tightly regulated process that involves various proteins and enzymes within the cell.

Any abnormalities or errors in this process can lead to serious health consequences, including genetic disorders and cancer.

Learn when chromosomes condense during mitosis and how this process occurs.

Chromosome coiling refers to the process by which the long, thin strands of DNA molecules in eukaryotic cells are tightly wound, compacted and organized into highly condensed structures called chromosomes.

Learn why and how chromosome coiling occurs.

Telomeres — the structures at the ends of linear chromosomes — contain repetitive DNA sequences (TTAGGG in mammals) bound by protein complexes called shelterins.

Know why telomeres are necessary in linear chromosomes.

Genetic variation is the diversity of genetic material within a population, and it’s crucial for the survival of species.

It allows individuals to adapt to changing environments, resist diseases, and improve their chances of survival.

Learn more about the processes through genetic variation occurs.

The Scottish botanist Robert Brown in 1831 observed that plant cells contained a structure that was different from other cellular components.

These structures contained choromosomes, the building blocks of life. Learn what he named these structures and his reasons for doing so.

Each species has a characteristic number of chromosomes that is maintained through a variety of mechanisms.

The number of chromosomes in an organism is determined by its species. Humans, for example, have 46 chromosomes, while fruit flies have only 8.

Learn how each species maintains a constant number of chromosomes.

Although scientists still use some traditional counting techniques, advancements in technology have helped researchers to not only count chromosomes, but also compare multiple samples to spot structural and numerical abnormalities.

This article explains some of the most widely used modern techniques used to count chromosomes.

There are two types of chromosomes — autosomal chromosomes and sex chromosomes. Each cell contains 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes.

Know more about the differences between autosomal and sex chromosomes.

Chromosome duplication occurs in cells during their growth and division.

It is the process by which a cell replicates its chromosomes, resulting in two sets of identical chromosomes.

Learn when chromosomes duplicate and how DNA replication plays a vital role in this process.