Chromosome News and Research

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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.

Chromosomes are not visible in the cell’s nucleus—not even under a microscope—when the cell is not dividing. However, the DNA that makes up chromosomes becomes more tightly packed during cell division and is then visible under a microscope. Most of what researchers know about chromosomes was learned by observing chromosomes during cell division.

Each chromosome has a constriction point called the centromere, which divides the chromosome into two sections, or “arms.” The short arm of the chromosome is labeled the “p arm.” The long arm of the chromosome is labeled the “q arm.” The location of the centromere on each chromosome gives the chromosome its characteristic shape, and can be used to help describe the location of specific genes.

New genome within the tomato family revealed

Hidden beneath the delicate, red skin and juicy flesh of a tomato is a wealth of nutrients and genetic makeup. With recent research on the first genome of a species in the tomatillo tribe (part of the tomato family), we now have a better idea of how this vital plant family came to be.

1 Sep 2022

Banp indispensable for cell-cycle progression and cell survival

Zebrafish mutants were found by a team of researchers about 15 years ago. These zebrafish’s eyes did not mature properly, which explains why they are much smaller than the eyes of zebrafish found in the wild.

11 Aug 2022

Study discovers a molecular mechanism that confers special physical properties to chromosomes in dividing human cells

The Gerlich Group at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA) has identified a molecular process that gives chromosomes in dividing human cells unique physical characteristics that permit faithful transmission to the progeny.

8 Aug 2022

Research elucidates why cultivated rye is less resistant than wild species

Today, wild rye is more genetically diverse than its domesticated cousins and has a greater ability to recombine this genetic diversity.

22 Jul 2022

Research provides better understanding of the Prussian carp's peculiar, efficient reproductive strategy

The Prussian carp is considered one of the most successful invasive fish species in Europe. Its ability to reproduce asexually gives it a major advantage over competing fish.

20 Jul 2022

Researchers identify the molecular route that leads to autoimmune disease inflammation

Mitochondria are self-contained organelles that reside inside cells and are tasked with producing the chemical energy required to power vital tasks necessary for life and wellbeing. They have their own mini-chromosome and DNA.

From UC San Diego 14 Jul 2022

Rochester biologists show a selfish “supergene” using population genomics

There are several “selfish genetic elements” in the human genome that do not appear to benefit their hosts but instead appear to exist only to reproduce themselves.

8 Jul 2022

Researchers discover a safe strategy to correct genetic defects

Healing debilitating genetic diseases is one of modern medicine’s most difficult challenges.

5 Jul 2022

Research identifies the main gene that causes developmental disability syndrome

A single gene that was previously discovered to be the main factor in a rare disease associated with epilepsy, autism, and developmental delay has been named as a key player in the development of healthy neurons.

1 Jul 2022

Unraveling sex determination in Bursaphelenchus nematodes: A path towards pest-control

The mechanisms underlying sex determination in nematodes, commonly known as roundworms, have not been fully understood.

23 Jun 2022

Researchers shed light on an exclusive healthy cereal - oats

Oats are a worldwide crop. It currently ranks seventh in cereal production. In comparison to other cereals, oats cultivation needs fewer insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizer treatments.

23 May 2022

Digging into the DNA of finger millet to improve the grain's yield and quality

The grain called finger millet may not be well-known outside of Africa, but it is an important crop to the region.

12 May 2022

Study shows how key cause of cancer growth in cell formation may lead to prevention

The University of Warwick’s research gives fresh information on a major cause of cancer growth during cell division (or mitosis), as well as potential treatments for avoiding it.

From The University of Warwick 10 May 2022

Extra copies of DNA explain insensitivity to chemotherapy in germ cell cancer

Extra copies of a piece of DNA partly explain insensitivity to chemotherapy in germ cell cancer, a new study shows.

21 Apr 2022

Researchers may have identified a key intermediate in the transition from prokaryotes to eukaryotes

All modern organisms fall into two classes, eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Eukaryotes (from the Greek meaning "true kernel") have a cell nucleus that harbors most of the cell's genetic information and includes organisms such as humans, plants and fungi.

20 Apr 2022

Max Planck researchers reveal the structure of kinetochore corona

During cell division in a mother cell, the 23 chromosomes that carry the human genome must be first copied and later delivered to two newly forming daughter cells.

From The Max Planck Institute 11 Apr 2022

Single-molecule analysis to study how tetraploid cells replicate DNA from diploid cells

Human cells have two sets of chromosomes (diploid). It is possible, however, that cells have a tetraploid (quadruple) set.

11 Apr 2022

Researchers discover how an “accordion effect” is vital for switching off genes

In a study that changes the fundamentals of what researchers know about gene silencing, WEHI researchers demonstrated how an “accordion effect” is key to switching off genes.

From Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) 7 Apr 2022

Researchers discover 15 genetic 'hotspots' that speed up or slow down brain aging

Researchers from a USC-led consortium have discovered 15 "hotspots" in the genome that either speed up brain aging or slow it down -; a finding that could provide new drug targets to resist Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative brain disorders, as well as developmental delays.

6 Apr 2022

Biologists unravel the mystery behind nuclear anomaly in blood cancer cells

The mystery is being unraveled of why the control centers, or nuclei, of certain blood cancer cells have a distinctly odd shape.

5 Apr 2022