• Question: How do the amount of chromosome pairs in a human and in the average household fly affect the genetic features of each species

    Asked by lgs11wilkd to Elaine on 26 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Elaine Marshall

      Elaine Marshall answered on 26 Jun 2013:

      the number of chromosomes do not affect the genetic features of each species but rather it is the genetic information or genes that is carried on each chromosome that matters. It is the genes on the chromosomes which encode for proteins and then the proteins that determine our features or phenotype. The chromosomes are the carriers/protectors of the genetic information if you like. It’s a bit like comparing the complete works of Shakespeare with Harry Potter novels, they are both great books but the words in them are very different and they make up completely different stories.

      The number of chromosomes a particular species is fascinating. Did you know there is a species of fern that has more than 1000?

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