Chromosomes
Chromosomes
Chromosomes are found in cells throughout animal bodies, including eggs and sperm. They consist of DNA, the substance of heredity.
Learning Objective: Explain what a chromosome is, where it is located in a cell, how it is structured, and how it relates to inheritance.
Mendel described inheritance, explaining that “factors” (what we now call alleles) produced observable phenotypes like pea flower color. It would take decades and advances in microscope technology for people to observe chromosomes, the physical basis for Mendel’s factors.
This video shows the chromosomes researchers found with improved microscopes.
Watch this video; you can select the closed captioning “cc” option if you would like to see the text.
Multiple representations, including models, are often used to explore complex concepts.
The chromosomes we observe under the microscope are actually coiled up DNA.
The next section provides detail on the structure of DNA, including how molecules can code for life.
Check your knowledge – Chromosomes
Review your notes. Do you understand what a chromosome is and how it relates to inheritance? If so, move forward to the next page.
Learning Objective:
Explain what a chromosome is, where it is located in a cell, how it is structured, and how it relates to inheritance.
Go back to the Life Cycles Guide Overview
Go forward to the DNA Page
Life Cycles Contents
Complete all five of these sections before taking the quiz and submitting your media piece.
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6A: Quiz & Media
