Question

Each species has a specific identifying number of chromosomes. For example, a cat, Felis catus, has 38 chromosomes, while corn, Zea mays, has 20 chromosomes. What does each chromosome carry?

a) The same genes as all of the other chromosomes in the set.
b) Specific genes that are unique to that chromosome.
c) An enzyme helicase that binds the chromosome when it breaks.
d) Identical DNA and RNA that was received from the parents' chromosomes.

Answer 1

Each chromosome carries specific genes that are unique to that chromosome, coding for the assembly of particular proteins that determine an organism's traits.

Step-by-step explanation:

Each chromosome in an organism's cell carries specific genes that are unique to that chromosome. These genes are the functional units of chromosomes and are made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). In the nuclei of eukaryotic cells, species have a characteristic number of chromosomes. For example, human body cells, which are diploid, have 46 chromosomes or 23 pairs, with one set of chromosomes inherited from each parent. Each chromosome carries hundreds or thousands of genes, and each gene codes for the assembly of a particular protein. This means enzymes like helicase and RNA are not what chromosomes carry, but instead, chromosomes consist of segments of DNA that give rise to specific traits through their encoded proteins.

Homologous chromosomes are the same length and have specific nucleotide segments, or genes, in exactly the same location, or locus. Human gametes (sex cells like sperm and eggs), conversely, contain one set of chromosomes (23 in total) and are haploid. Upon fertilization, a diploid cell is created, which contains matched pairs of homologous chromosomes. Therefore, the correct answer to what chromosomes carry is 'b) Specific genes that are unique to that chromosome.'