Briefly discuss the types of chromosomes?
1 Answer
There are the autosomes and the sex chromosomes.
Explanation:
Autosomes are the majority. In a normal human cell, and most other living organisms (but not all), there is a set of these linear chromosomes.
We will assume humans for this example.
The 22 pairs of autosomes are linear; they appear like an 'X' under the microscope, because each one has replicated.
Why 22 pairs?
Simply put, let's take chromosome pair 5 for instance. There is one maternal chromosome with the exact same genes as the matching other number chromosome, called the paternal part. Together, maternal and paternal 'matching' chromosomes (same pair) are called homologous chromosomes.
Although they have the same genes, they may have different 'alleles' or versions of that gene on them.
Finally: The 23rd pair of chromosomes is unique. It is the sex chromosomal 'pair'.
Notably, it is not homologous. It basically codes for gender; can be usually XX or XY (other variations can occur).
