What's the Difference Between a Gene and a Chromosome?
Each chromosome contains a single thread of DNA with many different genes. The genes provide instructions for different traits, such as eye or hair color, or male or female sex.
Chromosomes come in pairs. Humans have 46 chromosomes, in 23 pairs. People inherit chromosomes from their parents. A child gets one of each pair of chromosomes from their mother and one of each pair of chromosomes from their father.
The term ' genetic inheritance ' is the passing down of DNA from parents to children.
What is a genetic disorder?
Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis, occur when:
there's a change (mutation) in a gene on a chromosome
a chromosome is missing a part (called a deletion)
when genes move from one chromosome to another (called a translocation)
when a cell has extra chromosomes or missing chromosomes
A worldwide gene research project, called the Human Genome Project, is creating a map of all human genes and their location on chromosomes. Doctors hope to use this map to find and treat genetic disorders.
What do genes and chromosomes have to do with your health?
Genes are involved in almost every human trait and disease. They influence how your body responds to:
certain health conditions, such as infections
medications
treatments for health conditions
certain behaviors, such as smoking or alcohol use
The more we understand how genes affect our health or are linked to disease, the earlier doctors can respond to diseases and provide more effective targeted treatments.
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