DNA and genomes

The eukaryotic chromosome is enclosed in the nucleus of the cell. The eukaryotic genome can be either haploid or diploid.

Human genome: 2 copies of 23 different chromosomes are present to make a total of 46 chromosomes.

The human genome contains 3 x 10⁹ base pairs (pb)

Eukaryotic chromosomes can be identified by one of two distinct structures:

• Centromers: narrow region of the chromosome joining the sister chromatids.

• Telomers: ends of the chromosome.