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Chromosome Structure

Chromosome Structure

A functional eukaryotic chromosome must contain three elements: a centromere, telomeres, and numerous origins of replication.
The centromere is a DNA sequence that links sister chromatids. This is also where kinetochores, protein complexes to which spindle microtubules attach, are constructed after the chromosome is replicated. The kinetochores allow the spindle microtubules to move the chromosomes within the cell during cell division.
Telomeres consist of non-coding repetitive nucleotide...

Chromosome Structure

Chromosome Structure

Lampbrush Chromosomes

Lampbrush Chromosomes

In 1882, Flemming observed lampbrush chromosomes (LBC) in salamander eggs. Later in 1892, Rückert observed LBCs in shark egg cells and coined the term "lampbrush chromosomes" because they looked like brushes used to clean kerosene lamps.
LBCs are made up of two pairs of conjugating homologous chromatids. Each chromatid consists of alternatively positioned regions of condensed-inactive chromatin and loosely placed-active side loops, which can be contracted and extended. The loops...

Lampbrush Chromosomes

Lampbrush Chromosomes

Karyotyping

Karyotyping

Karyotyping

Karyotyping

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Deciphering High-Resolution 3D Chromatin Organization via Capture Hi-C

Deciphering High-Resolution 3D Chromatin Organization via Capture Hi-C

Published on: October 14, 2022

Models of chromosome structure.

Mario Nicodemi¹, Ana Pombo²

¹Universita' di Napoli "Federico II", Dipartimento di Fisica, INFN Sezione di Napoli, CNR-SPIN, Complesso Universitario di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia, 80126 Napoli, Italy.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology

|May 9, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Scientists are exploring how chromosomes fold in eukaryotic cells to understand gene regulation. A new physics-based model, the Strings & Binders Switch (SBS) model, helps explain chromosome organization in space and time.

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Last Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Deciphering High-Resolution 3D Chromatin Organization via Capture Hi-C

Deciphering High-Resolution 3D Chromatin Organization via Capture Hi-C

Published on: October 14, 2022

Hi-C: A Method to Study the Three-dimensional Architecture of Genomes.

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Published on: May 6, 2010

Combined Immunofluorescence and DNA FISH on 3D-preserved Interphase Nuclei to Study Changes in 3D Nuclear Organization

Combined Immunofluorescence and DNA FISH on 3D-preserved Interphase Nuclei to Study Changes in 3D Nuclear Organization

Published on: February 3, 2013

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biophysics
Genomics

Background:

Chromosome folding in eukaryotic nuclei is crucial for gene regulation but remains poorly understood.
Chromatin exhibits complex, dynamic organization that varies across species and cell types.
Quantitative models are needed to decipher the principles governing chromosome folding, its origins, and functions.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advances in chromosome modeling.
To highlight the Strings & Binders Switch (SBS) model as a framework for understanding chromosome organization.

Main Methods:

Review of quantitative models in chromosome folding.
Focus on the Strings & Binders Switch (SBS) model.

Main Results:

The Strings & Binders Switch (SBS) model effectively recapitulates key features of chromosome organization.
The model provides insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of chromatin structure.

Conclusions:

The SBS model offers a promising framework for understanding the principles of chromosome folding.
Further development of such models is essential for advancing knowledge in molecular biology and genomics.