What are the chromosomes called when they look like X's?

1 Answer
BillytheKid
Nov 7, 2017

I think you're referring to the Metaphase...

Explanation:

During Cell Division (or, rather before!) the DNA needs to be replicated. This normally is done by DNA Polymerase, and results in two identical double strands (the "Sister Chromatids".

These chromatids are held together at the Centromere, which will be the heart of the "X"-shape. After that the DNA is packed into Chromosomes by winding it around proteins called Histones. If I remember correctly there are 5 different Histones.

This "Zipping Up" makes the chromosomes more visible.
As the two sister chromatids are still connected, the result is the X-shaped Metaphase Chromosome....

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