Author name: Venkat S. R.

Pseudoautosomal regions (PARs) are unique regions on the X and Y chromosomes (sex chromosomes) that show some similarity in their DNA sequence.

Only a very tiny region of the Y chromosome — which is considerably smaller than the X chromosomes — is homologous with the X.

Learn more about pseudoautosomal regions and their functions.

Homologous chromosomes separate during the first stage of meiosis, which is called meiosis I.

The homologous chromosome pairs separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers attached to the centrioles during meiosis.

Learn when homologous chromosomes separate during meiosis.

Each time a chromosome is replicated, the telomeres at the end of the chromosome get a little bit shorter. Over time, this can lead to a loss of genetic information or cell death.

Learn how the telomerase protects the ends of chromosomes and avoids cell death.

Bacterial chromosomes are circular and are not enclosed within a nucleus, while eukaryotic chromosomes are linear and are enclosed within a nucleus.

Learn other major differences between bacterial and eukaryotic chromosomes.

Prokaryotes undergo a type of cell division called binary fission, which involves the division of single cells into two identical daughter cells.

One of the most vital aspects of binary fission is the separation of copied chromosomes.

Learn more about the different structures that enable the separation of copied chromosomes.

Repetitive DNA sequences are found throughout eukaryotic genomes, and they can occur in different forms.

One of the most critical repetitive DNA sequences is found at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes.

Know more about these structures and the vital functions it performs.

A chromosomal inversion is a structural change in a chromosome where a segment of the chromosome breaks off, rotates 180 degrees, and reattaches to the same chromosome in the reverse orientation.

Learn how an inversion in one of the chromosomes can impact an individual’s offspring.

Scientists can study chromosomes & understand how they work to help diagnose and treat various conditions.

They can trace our genetic history and understand how different species evolved over time by studying chromosomes.

Read on to know more about the importance of chromosomes.

During replication, the DNA replication machinery is unable to copy the very last bit of DNA on the lagging strand, which leads to a loss of genetic information.

Read on to know more about how the enzyme telomerase helps overcome the challenge of replicating the ends of chromosomes.