Chromosomes are thread-like structures composed of DNA and proteins, found in the nucleus of a cell. Chromosomes carry genetic information in the form of genes that serve as instruction to produce proteins for building and maintaining the body. Humans typically have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 in total) in each somatic cell. Gametes (egg and sperm cells) contain only a single chromosome set.
This entry was provided by the doctoral students of the GetRADI collaborative network. GetRADI is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.