Animal Chromosomes Structure: 7 Facts You Should Know.

In this article, we will learn about animal chromosomes structure in detail and try to understand some facts related to animal chromosomes structure.

As we know, chromosomes are the thread-like structure which is present in every organism present in nature. The chromosome is present within the nucleus of each and every cell of the rganisms. These chromosomes contain the genetic material of the organism.

Let us look at the facts about animal chromosomes structure.

  • Are animal chromosomes circular or linear?
  • Why are animal chromosomes linear?
  • What does a chromosome look like in an animal?
  • What color are chromosomes in animal cells?
  • How are animal chromosomes arranged?
  • Is animal chromosome double-stranded?

Let us understand these seven facts about animal chromosomes structure in detail.

Are animal chromosomes circular or linear?

The animal chromosomes structure is seen to be linear.

As we all know that animals are eukaryotic. Other than animals, all the other eukaryotic organisms have a nucleus which is covered by a membrane, and that is why they are called membrane-bound organelles.

 In these membrane-bound organisms, the chromosome is found to be linear in nature and not the circular chromosome is found. These chromosomes are found inside the nucleus of the cell.

animal chromosomes structure
Animal chromosomes structure diagram from Flickr

Why are animal chromosomes linear?

Since the animal is a eukaryote and has to undergo translation or transcription processes, the linear chromosome is the one which makes it easier.

Eukaryotic organisms like animals, plants, or fungi have to undergo certain molecular processes and mechanisms like transcription, translation, etc., especially in transcription, where replication of DNA occurs.

In that process, when the chromosome is circular, it causes strain and sometimes breaks the DNA, which results in damage. While in the case of linear, this problem is not seen, and the process of replication becomes easier.

In these membrane-bound organisms, the chromosome is found to be linear in nature and not the circular chromosome is found. These chromosomes are found inside the nucleus of the cell.

animal chromosomes structure
Linear chromosome from Wikipedia

What does a chromosome look like in an animal?

The animal chromosomes structure is quite simple. It looked like a rod-shaped structure in which the central part is called a centromere.

The arms of animal chromosomes are attached to the centromere. The centromere is a primary constrict of the animal chromosome. There are different type of chromosome which is based on the size of arm that are attached to the centromere.

The arms of animal chromosomes are attached to the centromere. The centromere is a primary constrict of the animal chromosome. There are different type of chromosome which is based on the size of arm that are attached to the centromere.

In these membrane-bound organisms, the chromosome is found to be linear in nature and not the circular chromosome is found. These chromosomes are found inside the nucleus of the cell.

animal chromosomes structure
Animal chromosomes structure compact form from Wikipedia

What color are chromosomes in animal cells?

The  color of animal chromosomes structure is only seen in the presence of some dyes. These chromosome will take up some stain of these dyes and in the result will show particular color to the animal chromosomes structure.

For eg- green color is seen sometimes of the animal chromosome color.

animal chromosomes structure
Diagram of different animal chromosomes structure from Wikipedia

How are animal chromosomes arranged?

The animal chromosomes structure is arranged in pairs inside the nucleus of the cell in very complex-compact manner.

The chromosome are made up of DNA- protein complex which I known as chromatin. This chromatin protein is organized in such a structural subunits which are known as nucleosomes. Here the animal chromosomes structure are arranged in a compact manner.

This nature of arrangement of animal chromosome help in the expression of the gene and other processes as well.

Is animal chromosome double-stranded?

We cannot define chromosome as double or single stranded structure.

The chromosome is formed inside a nucleus of the cell and is made up of protein called chromatin protein. The chromosome are arranged in the rows in the nucleosomes .

Each chromosome consists of DNA which can be either single stranded or double stranded based on the organisms. The chromosome are made up of DNA- protein complex which I known as chromatin. This chromatin protein is organized in such a structural subunits which are known as nucleosomes. The animal chromosomes structure are arranged in a compact manner.

Conclusion

In this article, we can summarize that animal chromosomes structure are found inside the cell’s nucleus and perform various mechanism and processes. It thus a crucial part in the cell.

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