DNADeoxyribonucleic acid. The material inside the nucleus of cells, carrying the genetic information of a living being. exists in a cell's nucleus within structures called chromosomeThe structure made of DNA that codes for all the characteristics of an organism.. Each section of a chromosome that contains the code for the production of a particular protein is called a geneThe basic unit of genetic material inherited from our parents. A gene is a section of DNA which controls part of a cell's chemistry - particularly protein production..
Each chromosome is made from a single molecule of DNA, but when a cell is ready to divide, the DNA copies itself, then coils and condenses to form the chromosomes that we see in micrographA photograph taken of a microscopical image..
Each human body cell contains 46 chromosomes. These can be arranged into 23 pairs.
Each chromosome in a pair carries the same genes. One chromosome was inherited from the organism's mother, and is known as the maternalRelating to mothers. chromosome, and the other chromsome in the pair was inherited from the organism's father, and is known as the paternalSomething related to fathers. chromosome.
The 23rd pair is the sex chromosomes. In females, the two chromosomes are identical in shape. There are two X chromosomes. Females are referred to as XX.
In males, one of the sex chromosomes is a different shape. There is an X and also a Y chromosome. Males are referred to as XY.
All eggs are X. Approximately half of sperm are X and the other are Y.