The Silent Battle Within: How Your Organs Choose Between Mom and Dad’s Genes
Research reveals that selective expression of maternal or paternal X chromosomes varies by organ, driven by cellular competition. A new study published today (July 26)…
Chromosomes News
Chromosomes are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells, composed of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information. Each chromosome is made up of DNA tightly coiled many times around proteins called histones that support its structure. Human cells typically contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46; half of each pair is inherited from each parent. Chromosomes play a vital role in genetics as they contain the instructions needed for an organism’s development, functioning, and reproduction. Each chromosome has a specific sequence of genes, which are units of heredity and direct the production of proteins with assistance from RNA. The study of chromosomes helps in understanding genetic diseases, hereditary patterns, and evolutionary biology. During cell division, chromosomes are duplicated and distributed equally to two daughter cells, a process critical for genetic consistency across generations.
Scientists Discover Extraordinary Ancient Chromosome Fossils in 52,000-Year-Old Mammoth
A breakthrough now makes it possible to assemble the genomes of extinct species. A team of scientists from Baylor College of Medicine, the University of…
New Research Suggests a Simple Vitamin Could Help Prevent a Common Nervous System Disorder
Researchers from UC San Diego School of Medicine identify a chromosomal microdeletion and suggest that a common vitamin might help prevent the condition. Researchers at…
New Study Challenges Old Theories on Y Chromosome Diversity Loss
The development of patrilineal social systems during the Neolithic period, where children inherit their father’s lineage, could be the reason for a notable decrease in…
Vast Implications – Scientists Develop Novel Technique To Form Human Artificial Chromosomes
Researchers indicate that this technique will enhance lab research efficiency and broaden the scope of gene therapy. Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) that function within human…
The Surprising Influence of Sex Chromosomes on Whole-Body Gene Expression
A groundbreaking study reveals that sex chromosomes, especially through genes ZFX and ZFY, play a critical role in regulating gene expression across the human body,…
Revolutionizing Biology: USC’s Breakthrough in “CReATiNG” Synthetic Chromosomes
USC Dornsife’s CReATiNG technique revolutionizes synthetic biology by facilitating the cost-effective construction of synthetic chromosomes, promising significant advancements in various scientific and medical fields. A…
Pioneering Genetics Research: Male Sex Chromosome Finally Deciphered
A global team of scientists has fully sequenced the Y chromosome, enhancing our understanding of male development, fertility, and genetically-linked diseases. The chromosome associated with…
Y Not? The Full Story Behind Sequencing Humanity’s Most Elusive Chromosome
The Telomere-to-Telomere consortium has fully sequenced the Y chromosome, uncovering 41 new genes and adding 30 million new bases to the human genome. This breakthrough…
Yale Researchers Discover Potential New Way To Treat Cancer
A recent study from Yale indicates that additional chromosomes in cancer cells are essential for the growth of tumors. Removing these extra chromosomes inhibits tumor…
Complete Human Y Chromosome Sequence Assembled for the First Time
New sequence reveals genomic factors in fertility, including sperm production. An international research team has generated the first truly complete sequence of a human Y chromosome,…
Gene-Silencing Complexes Join Forces To Inactivate X Chromosomes – Insight Into Female-Only Cancers
Two protein complexes play key but different roles in silencing one X chromosome in female mammals. RIKEN researchers have shed new light on the roles…
Loops, Flags and Tension in DNA
Chromosomes are organized into loops that regulate genetic information processing, and these loops are extruded by SMC protein complexes like condensin and cohesin. The DNA-binding…
Why Are Viral Infections More Severe in Men? Researchers May Have Solved the Mystery
For a long time, it has been known that viral infections can be more severe in males than females, but the question as to why…
New Hope for Treatment of Rare Metabolic Brain Disease
Scientists reveal the results of a controlled clinical trial for a new drug to treat X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. X-ALD is the most prevalent of the approximately…
Individuals With Extra X or Y Chromosome at Higher Risk of Life-Threatening Blood Clots
A Geisinger study has uncovered that individuals with supernumerary sex chromosome aneuploidy, a condition characterized by an extra X or Y chromosome, are at a…
Scientists Reconstruct the Genome of the 180-Million-Year-Old Common Ancestor of All Mammals
University of California, Davis scientists help reveal the genome of the common ancestor of all mammals From a platypus to a blue whale, all living…
Scientists Discover That Chromosomes Are Fluid
Chromosome manipulation in live cells indicates that they are fluid. Researchers from CNRS, the Curie Institute, and Sorbonne University have successfully physically acted on chromosomes in live…