Chromosome Structure

Chromosomes are thread-like structures found in the nucleus of our cells, made up of DNA and proteins. They carry genes, which are the instructions for building and maintaining our bodies. Each species has a specific number of chromosomes; for example, humans have 46, arranged in 23 pairs. Chromosomes can be seen as tightly coiled fibers, allowing long strands of DNA to fit inside the cell. During cell division, chromosomes condense to ensure that DNA is accurately copied and distributed to new cells, maintaining genetic information across generations.