Chromosome structure: Chromosome

Chromosome , the microscopic threadlike part of the cell that carries hereditary information in the form of genes. What are Chromosomes? In the nucleus of each cell, the DNA molecule is packaged into thread-like structures called chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of DNA tightly coiled many times around proteins called histones that support its structure. Chromosome Structure The chemical composition of a chromosome is histone proteins and DNA. Each cell has a pair of each kind of chromosome known as a homologous chromosome . Chromosomes are made up of chromatin, which contains a single molecule of DNA and associated proteins. Each chromosome contains hundreds and thousands of genes that can precisely code for several proteins in the cell. Structure of a chromosome can be best seen during cell division. Chromosomes were first described by Strasburger (1815), and the term ‘ chromosome ’ was first used by Waldeyer in 1888. Chromosomes are composed of thin chromatin threads called chromonemata which undergo coiling and super coiling during proph. mosomes become progressively thicker and smaller, and become readil.