1
$\begingroup$

What is on common X-like picture of chromosome?

Here is the image from Wikipedia:

enter image description here

Are (for example) lower petals homologous to each other?

If yes, then why (1) is entitled as chromatid: one-half of two identical threadlike strands of a replicated chromosome? Homologous parts are similar but not identical.

If no, then why does human chromosomes are often denoted by Xs:

enter image description here

Do we have 23 Xs (females) or 46 Xs?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
6
  • $\begingroup$ You should the wikipedia legends on the post $\endgroup$
    – Remi.b
    Commented Jun 6, 2016 at 19:04
  • $\begingroup$ I have cited important one. $\endgroup$
    – Dims
    Commented Jun 6, 2016 at 19:07
  • $\begingroup$ Sure, but if you give more info and thoughts, it might be easier for us to understand what is unclear to you. This seems particularly important as I don't understand your comments below my answer. $\endgroup$
    – Remi.b
    Commented Jun 6, 2016 at 19:18
  • $\begingroup$ @Remi.b note that I am absolutely agree with your answer and this is my "zero hypothesis". But I am confused, that sometimes X-like patterns are apparently used to depict homologous chromosomes. $\endgroup$
    – Dims
    Commented Jun 6, 2016 at 19:47
  • $\begingroup$ Ok. If the legend under the figure (wherever you found it) says that it displays homologous chromosomes, then the legend is wrong! A single X-like shape always represents a single chromosome. $\endgroup$
    – Remi.b
    Commented Jun 7, 2016 at 0:19

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2
$\begingroup$

The "X" you see is a chromosome. The two strands that forms the X-shaped chromosome are called chromatids. As they are bound together (by the centromer), they are called sister chromatids. Note that chromosomes look like that only during the metaphase. Note also, that not all chromosomes have a centromer that is in the middle of the chromosome as it is obvious from the picture in your question.

Many species (including humans) have two sets of each chromosome. If you add the other chromosome in the picture, you would see a pair of chromosome. One chromosome of the pair is said to be homologous to the other one. Below is a cladogram during the metaphase of a human (I let you figure out the sex) showing each pair of chromosome.

enter image description here

Sister chromatids are identical (except for mutation during the last chromosomal replication). Homologous chromosomes are similar but not identical. Crossover occurs in between chromatids of homologous chromosomes.

Further comment on your figure

There are 23 pairs of chromosomes, that is 46 chromosomes. Your picture shows only one chromosome per pair, that is your picture shows only 23 chromosomes. In other words, your picture shows the haploid genome and not the diploid genome.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
10
  • $\begingroup$ See the picture of human genome. It is depicted as 23 Xs (some not fully formed). $\endgroup$
    – Dims
    Commented Jun 6, 2016 at 19:12
  • $\begingroup$ I don't understand your comment. Can you develop? Do you think I answered your question? $\endgroup$
    – Remi.b
    Commented Jun 6, 2016 at 19:14
  • $\begingroup$ So, pictures, depicting 23-24 X-like feutures are just incorrect? $\endgroup$
    – Dims
    Commented Jun 6, 2016 at 19:14
  • $\begingroup$ See my update. I have added a picture. These pictures are common. Search human genome in google images. $\endgroup$
    – Dims
    Commented Jun 6, 2016 at 19:15
  • $\begingroup$ Sure, I see the picture. I don't understand what you think would be incorrect on this picture based on my answer. Can you please develop further what is unclear? Note that your picture only show a single chromosome (two chromatids) of each of the 23 pairs. $\endgroup$
    – Remi.b
    Commented Jun 6, 2016 at 19:25

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .