Chromosomes

• When cells are in their normal states, the DNA in the nucleus exist in the form of LONG STRANDS.
• When cells prepare to divide, the strands of DNA form CHROMOSOMES.

• CHROMOSOMES are structures within the nucleus of cells containing tightly coiled DNA.
• Human body cells have 46 CHROMOSOMES, which exists as 23 PAIRS, where each pair is inherited from each parent.

• Sex Cells (known as GAMETES) have HALF the number of chromosomes (23), and when a sperm cell fertilises an egg cell, the two halves join to form a full set of 46 chromosomes.
• Each chromosome holds numerous GENES responsible for various PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS like hair colour and eye colour.