What form does the chromosome take when the cell is not dividing
Cell division cycle, figure from Wikipedia. Cells that stop dividing exit the G1 phase of the cell cycle into a so-called G0 state. Show
Cells reproduce genetically identical copies of themselves by cycles of cell growth and division. The cell cycle diagram on the left shows that a cell division cycle consists of 4 stages:
ChromosomesChromosomes were first named by cytologists viewing dividing cells through a microscope. The modern definition of a chromosome now includes the function of heredity and the chemical composition. A chromosome is a DNA molecule that carries all or part of the hereditary information of an organism. In eukaryotic cells, the DNA is packaged with proteins in the nucleus, and varies in structure and appearance at different parts of the cell cycle. In G1, each chromosome is a single chromatid. In G2, after DNA replication in S phase, as cell enter mitotic prophase, each chromosome consists of a pair of identical sister chromatids, where each chromatid contains a linear DNA molecule that is identical to the joined sister. The sister chromatids are joined at their centromeres, as shown in the image below. A pair of sister chromatids is a single replicated chromosome, a single package of hereditary information. Human karyotype “painted” using fluorescent DNA probes. These mitotic chromosomes each consist of a pair of sister chromatids joined at their centromeres. The images of the homologous chromosome pairs (e.g., 2 copies of chromosome 1) have been lined up next to each other. Image from Bolzer et al., (2005) Three-Dimensional Maps of All Chromosomes in Human Male Fibroblast Nuclei and Prometaphase Rosettes. PLoS Biol 3(5): e157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0030157 Ploidy
Here is a simplified diagram illustrating the overall process and products of mitosis: Source: Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MajorEventsInMeiosis_variant_int.svg) Questions or points to ponder or note about the figure above (answers at bottom of page):
This animation below shows the packaging of DNA and condensation of chromosomes as a cell undergoes mitosis. MeiosisThis is a special sequence of 2 cell divisions that produces haploid gametes from diploid germline cells. It starts with a diploid cell that has undergone chromosomal DNA replication: 2N chromosomes, 4X DNA content. Two successive divisions, with no additional DNA replication, results in 4 haploid gametes: 1N chromosomes, 1X DNA content.
The last point appears to be the most difficult for students to grasp. Consider the X and Y chromosomes. They pair in prophase I, and then separate in the first division. The daughter cells of the first meiotic division have either an X or a Y; they don’t have both. Each cell now has only one sex chromosome, like a haploid cell. Meiosis Overview from Wikipedia by Rdbickel And here is a video that walks through the steps of meiosis:
Chromosomes, chromatids, what is the difference and how many chromosomes are there at different times of the cell cycle and after mitosis and meiosis?Chromosomes by definition contain the DNA that makes up the fundamental genome of the cell. In a prokaryote, the genome is usually packaged into one circular chromosome consisting of a circular DNA molecule of a few million base pairs (Mbp). In eukaryotes, the genome is packaged into multiple linear chromosomes, each consisting of a linear DNA molecule of tens or hundreds of Mbp. Chromosomes exist at all different phases of the cell cycle. They condense and become visible to light microscopy in prophase of mitosis or meiosis, and they decondense during interphase, in the form of chromatin (DNA wrapped around nucleosomes, like “beads on a string”). Meiosis Overview from Wikipedia by Rdbickel The video below is geared toward a high school audience, but it does present a helpful way for recognizing how many chromosomes are present in a cell (and thus the ploidy level of that cell). While watching, see if you can recognize why the products of meiosis 1 are haploid cells: What happens to the chromosomes when it is not dividing?It replaces skin cells, blood cells, and other types of cells that are damaged or naturally die. During pregnancy, an error in mitosis can occur. If the chromosomes don't split into equal halves, the new cells can have an extra chromosome (47 total) or have a missing chromosome (45 total).
What happens when cells are not dividing?When aging cells stop dividing, they become “senescent.” Scientists believe one factor that causes senescence is the length of a cell's telomeres, or protective caps on the end of chromosomes. Every time chromosomes reproduce, telomeres get shorter. As telomeres dwindle, cell division stops altogether.
What form does the chromosome take when the cell is not dividing quizlet?A chromosome is one long continuous strand of DNA that consists of numerous genes along with regulatory information. DNA wraps around proteins that help organize and condense it. During interphase, or when a cell is not dividing DNA is loosely organised - loos like spaghetti.
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