Chromosomes Microscopic Cellular Structures
Chromosome Outcomes
-
Describe the structure of chromosomes including what you see under a microscope, and how a chromosome relates to DNA.
-
Outline the process of mitosis, including how the cells that are produced relate to the original cell.
-
Outline the process of meiosis, including how the cells that are produced relate to the original cell.
Chromosomes are found in cells throughout an organism\’s body, including sperm and eggs, These chromosomes consist of tightly wound DNA, the substance of heredity.
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 to observe chromosomes, the physical basic of Mendel\’s factors.
This video shows the chromosomes researchers found with improved microscopes.
In science, multiple representations, including models and photos, are used to explore complex topics.
The chromosomes we observe under the microscope are actually coiled up DNA.
Cells have to replicate themselves: a fertilized egg has to becomes many cells, damaged cells have to be replaced, and sperm and eggs have to be produced to potentially form the next generation.
The processes of mitosis and meiosis result in new cells, and both processes require duplication and movement of chromosomes.
This video is a detailed look at mitosis and meiosis, including how these processes relate to chromosomes.
Here a different model is used to compare mitosis and meiosis.
Can you describe what mitosis and meiosis have in common and how they differ?
Check your knowledge. Can you:
-
describe the structure of chromosomes including what you see under a microscope, and how a chromosome relates to DNA?
-
outline the process of mitosis, including how the cells that are produced relate to the original cell?
-
outline the process of meiosis, including how the cells that are produced relate to the original cell?