Difference between Gene and Chromosome: Overview, Explanation

The difference between genes and chromosomes lies in their roles in inheritance. A gene is a DNA segment that codes for specific traits, while a chromosome is a thread-like structure that carries many genes and organizes DNA. Understanding the comparison between the behaviour of chromosomes and genes is crucial. Genes control traits, while chromosomes ensure proper genetic material distribution during cell division. This is one of the important topics in genetics Biology class 12th.

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This Story also Contains

1. What is a Chromosome?
2. Key Differences between Gene and Chromosome
3. What is a Gene?

What is a Chromosome?

The chromosome is a thread-like structure composed of both DNA and proteins carrying the material. Chromosomes are located inside the nucleus of living cells, so in the real sense, it is crucial for the transmission of genetic material across generations. Each species has a characteristic number of chromosomes, and they are very instrumental in determining the traits and characteristics of an organism.

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• Principles of Inheritance and Variation

• Genetics

• Molecular Basis of Inheritance

Structure of Chromosomes

Chromosomes are made up mainly of DNA molecules that are tightly coiled around proteins called histones. In its coiled structure with protein, the DNA is called chromatin and condenses to visible structures during cell division. There are several characteristic regions on a chromosome:

• A centromere is a specialised region where the chromatids are joined and to which the spindle fibres attach during cell division.

• Telomeres are located in the end portions of the chromosomes and prevent them from deteriorating or joining neighbouring chromosomes.

Types of Chromosomes

Chromosomes can broadly be divided into two types

• Autosomal chromosomes: Non-sex chromosomes that carry all characteristics of the organism.

• Sex chromosomes: This type of chromosome decides the sex of an organism. Normally human females have two X-chromosomes (XX), and males carry one X and one Y chromosome and in such fashion are known as XY chromosomal system.

Key Differences between Gene and Chromosome

It is important to distinguish the differences between genes and chromosomes in the areas of genetics and biology. Even though both are significant in the carrying of genetic information, they differ a lot in terms of size, content, and cell location, among others, in addition to having different roles concerning the aspects of inheritance and cellular activities.

Differences Between Gene and Chromosome

What is a Gene?

Gene is the unit of heredity. It contains the information for making proteins and determining the characteristics of living things. Gene is a section of DNA separated in any one of the chromosome pairs, which specifies a particular protein or sometimes RNA molecule. Genes are not only the units for transferring traits from parent to offspring but also for governing many biological processes inside the cell.

Gene Structure

The typical gene components are discussed below:

Promoter: This is a region located upstream of the coding sequence of DNA. It is the place where the process of transcription is initiated. This means that it is the point where the beginning of the action of transferring the gene's DNA onto RNA is initiated.

Coding sequence: This is also called an exon and is that portion of the gene that comprises the working instructions in forming a protein or RNA molecule. The nucleotide sequence of A, T, C, and G in the coding region determines the amino acid sequence of the protein.

Regulatory sequence: They are found upstream or downstream from the coding sequences, controlling the activity of associated genes. The enhancers and silencers of a gene regulate when and to what degree its product is expressed.

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