Chromosomes are the organized structures within cells that carry genetic information in the form of DNA. They play a central role in cell division, genetic inheritance, and the regulation of gene expression. Chromosomes are composed of DNA, a double-stranded helical molecule made up of nucleotide units, each containing a sugar-phosphate backbone and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). The sequence of these bases encodes genetic information. The primary function of chromosomes is to store and transmit such genetic information from one generation of cells (or organisms) to the next. This genetic information contains instructions for the synthesis of proteins, as well as the regulation of various cellular processes. Chromosomes exist in a dynamic state known as chromatin, a complex of DNA and proteins, primarily histones, which package and condense the long DNA strands. This packaging is essential for the efficient storage of genetic material within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Chromosomes also typically have a specific region known as the centromere. The centromere plays a crucial role in chromosome segregation during cell division. It serves as the attachment site for spindle fibres, ensuring that sister chromatids are pulled apart and distributed to daughter cells accurately. At each end of a linear chromosome, there are structures called telomeres. Telomeres consist of repetitive DNA sequences and associated proteins. Their primary function is to protect the ends of chromosomes from degradation or fusion with neighbouring chromosomes. Telomeres also play additional roles in cellular aging and senescence. During DNA replication in preparation for cell division, each chromosome duplicates to form two identical copies known as sister chromatids. These chromatids are held together at the centromere. When the cell divides, sister chromatids are separated, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of genetic information. In diploid organisms, each chromosome has a homologous partner. Homologous chromosomes have the same genes, but they may carry different alleles (variants) of those genes. One homologous chromosome is inherited from the mother, and the other from the father. A karyotype is a visual representation of an individual's chromosomes, arranged in pairs according to size and shape. Karyotypes are used for various purposes, including identifying genetic disorders, determining an individual's sex, and studying chromosome abnormalities.The number of chromosomes varies among species. Humans, for example, have 46 chromosomes in their somatic cells, organized into 23 pairs (22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes). The chromosome number is a characteristic feature of each species and is maintained through sexual reproduction. In many species, including humans, there are specialized chromosomes called sex chromosomes that determine an individual's sex. In humans, the sex chromosomes are X and Y, females with two X chromosomes (XX), males with one X and one Y chromosome (XY). Whilst genes carry the instructions for protein synthesis, chromosomes also contain significant amounts of noncoding DNA. Recent research has highlighted the importance of noncoding DNA in gene regulation and genome organization. We provide a wide product range of research tools for investigating chromosomes, including Survivin antibodies. Explore our full chromosome product range below and discover more, for less.