Answer to Question #189441 in Genetics for Sam

Question

Explain in detail how and why the structure of the human chromosome relates to the function. Your explanations must include: 

• centromere 

• chromatids

• autosomes

• sex chromosomes

• chromosome number

• homologous

• non-homologous chromosom

Answer 1

Centromere, structure in a chromosome that holds together the two chromatids.

Chromatid is one of the halves of the replicated chromosome.

An autosome is any of the numbered chromosomes, as opposed to the sex chromosomes.

A sex chromosome, is a chromosome that differs from an ordinary autosome in form, size, and behavior.

Human cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes (22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes), giving a total of 46 per cell.

Homologous means similar in position, structure, and evolutionary origin but not necessarily in function.

Non homologous relates to chromosomes that are not part of the same pair.