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DNA, Chromosomes, and Cell Division

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The Principles of Clinical Cytogenetics

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Abstract

The molecule deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the raw material of inheritance and ultimately influences all aspects of the structure and functioning of the human body. A single molecule of DNA, along with associated proteins, comprises a chromosome. Chromosomes are located in the nuclei of all human cells (with the exception of mature red blood cells), and each human cell contains 23 different pairs of chromosomes.

Genes are functional units of genetic information that reside on each of the 23 pairs of chromosomes. These units are linear sequences of nitrogenous bases that code for protein molecules necessary for the proper functioning of the body. The genetic information contained within the chromosomes is copied and distributed to newly created cells during cell division. The structure of DNA provides the answer to how it is precisely copied with each cell division and to how proteins are synthesized.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Allied Health, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 2101, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA

    Martha B. Keagle M.Ed.

Authors
  1. Martha B. Keagle M.Ed.
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Correspondence to Martha B. Keagle M.Ed. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. AmeriPath Northeast, 1 Greenwich Place, Shelton, 06484, USA

    Steven L. Gersen

  2. , Department of Allied Health, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Storrs, 06269, Connecticut, USA

    Martha B. Keagle

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Keagle, M.B. (2013). DNA, Chromosomes, and Cell Division. In: Gersen, S., Keagle, M. (eds) The Principles of Clinical Cytogenetics. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1688-4_2

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