• Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:
    • Reply to discussions and create your own threads.
    • Our modern chat room. No add-ons or extensions required, just login and start chatting!
    • Access to private conversations with other members.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!

Know Your Chromosomes!

dust1n

Zindīq
Hey there folks.

So, I was thinking about the X and Y chromosome, and how it's peculiar that the entire chromosome would supposedly be used for one particular function. Then I realized, I don't know anything about anything. Does each chromosome have any known distinctions for why and how they differ? Well, thanks to science, the human genome is complete, and human proteins is next on the agenda. So I thought we might all slowly learn together what it is that is contained in that stuff. Let's begin!

CHROMOSOME 1 (498 KB):

What is chromosome 1?
Humans normally have 46 chromosomes in each cell, divided into 23 pairs. Two copies of chromosome 1, one copy inherited from each parent, form one of the pairs. Chromosome 1 is the largest human chromosome, spanning about 249 million DNA building blocks (base pairs) and representing approximately 8 percent of the total DNA in cells.

Identifying genes on each chromosome is an active area of genetic research. Because researchers use different approaches to predict the number of genes on each chromosome, the estimated number of genes varies. Chromosome 1 likely contains 2,000 to 2,100 genes that provide instructions for making proteins. These proteins perform a variety of different roles in the body.

Genes on chromosome 1 are among the estimated 20,000 to 25,000 total genes in the human genome.

How are changes in chromosome 1 related to health conditions?
Many genetic conditions are related to changes in particular genes on chromosome 1. This list of disorders associated with genes on chromosome 1 provides links to additional information.

Changes in the structure or number of copies of a chromosome can also cause problems with health and development. The following chromosomal conditions are associated with such changes in chromosome 1.

1p36 deletion syndrome
1p36 deletion syndrome is caused by a deletion of genetic material from a specific region in the short (p) arm of chromosome 1. The signs and symptoms of this disorder, which include intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, and structural abnormalities in several body systems, are probably related to the loss of multiple genes in this region. The size of the deletion varies among affected individuals.

1q21.1 microdeletion
1q21.1 microdeletion is a chromosomal change in which a small piece of the long (q) arm of chromosome 1 is deleted in each cell. Most commonly, affected individuals are missing about 1.35 million DNA building blocks (base pairs), also written as 1.35 megabases (Mb), in the q21.1 region. However, the exact size of the deleted region varies. The loss of multiple genes from this region probably contributes to the various signs and symptoms that can be associated with a 1q21.1 microdeletion. Related features can include delayed development, intellectual disability, physical abnormalities, and neurological and psychiatric problems; however, some individuals with a 1q21.1 microdeletion have no obvious signs or symptoms.

1q21.1 microduplication
A 1q21.1 microduplication is a copied (duplicated) segment of genetic material at position q21.1 on one of the two copies of chromosome 1 in each cell. Some people with a 1q21.1 microduplication have developmental delay, intellectual disability, or features of autism spectrum disorders characterized by impaired communication and socialization skills. Affected individuals may also have psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, malformations of the heart, or other neurological or physical features. Other individuals with 1q21.1 microduplications have no identified physical, intellectual, or behavioral problems.

1q21.1 microduplications most often involve the same segment of about 1.35 million base pairs that is missing in 1q21.1 microdeletions (described above). In other cases, individuals have a shorter or longer duplicated segment within the q21.1 region of chromosome 1. Extra copies of genes in the duplicated segment likely contribute to the signs and symptoms that occur in some individuals with 1q21.1 microduplications; researchers are working to determine which specific genes are involved and how they relate to these features. Because some people with a 1q21.1 microduplication have no apparent features of the condition, additional genetic or environmental factors are thought to be involved in the development of signs and symptoms.

neuroblastoma
Deletions within region 1p36 have also been associated with another condition called neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a type of cancerous tumor composed of immature nerve cells (neuroblasts). These deletions are somatic mutations, which means they occur during a person's lifetime and are present only in the cells that become cancerous. About 25 percent of people with neuroblastoma have a deletion of 1p36.1-1p36.3, which is associated with a more severe form of neuroblastoma. Researchers believe the deleted region could contain a gene that keeps cells from growing and dividing too quickly or in an uncontrolled way, called a tumor suppressor gene. When tumor suppressor genes are deleted, cancer can occur. Researchers have identified several possible tumor suppressor genes in the deleted region of chromosome 1, and more research is needed to understand what role these genes play in neuroblastoma development.

thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome
A deletion in the 1q21.1 region of chromosome 1 is involved in most cases of thrombocytopenia-absent radius (TAR) syndrome. TAR syndrome is characterized by the absence of a bone called the radius in each forearm and a shortage (deficiency) of blood cells involved in clotting (platelets).

The deletion in chromosome 1 involved in TAR syndrome eliminates at least 200,000 DNA building blocks (200 kilobases, or 200 kb) from the long (q) arm of the chromosome, including a gene called RBM8A. Most people with TAR syndrome have the deletion in one copy of chromosome 1, which removes one copy of the RBM8A gene, and a mutation in the other copy of the RBM8A gene in each cell. The RBM8A gene provides instructions for making a protein called RNA-binding motif protein 8A. This protein is believed to be involved in a number of important cellular functions involving the production of other proteins.

RBM8A gene mutations that cause TAR syndrome reduce the amount of RNA-binding motif protein 8A in cells. The deletion on chromosome 1 eliminates one copy of the RBM8A gene in each cell and the RNA-binding motif protein 8A that would have been produced from it. The reduced total amount of RNA-binding motif protein 8A is thought to cause problems in the development of certain tissues, but it is unknown how it causes the specific signs and symptoms of TAR syndrome. No cases have been reported in which individuals have deletions on both copies of chromosome 1 that include both copies of the RBM8A gene; studies indicate that the complete loss of RNA-binding motif protein 8A is not compatible with life.

Researchers sometimes refer to the deletion in chromosome 1 associated with TAR syndrome as the 200-kb deletion to distinguish it from another chromosomal abnormality called a 1q21.1 microdeletion (described above). People with a 1q21.1 microdeletion are missing a different, larger DNA segment in the chromosome 1q21.1 region near the area where the 200-kb deletion occurs. The chromosomal change related to 1q21.1 microdeletion is often called the recurrent distal 1.35-Mb deletion.

other cancers
Changes in the structure of chromosome 1 are associated with other forms of cancer and conditions related to cancer. These changes are typically somatic, which means they are acquired during a person's lifetime and are present only in tumor cells.

Deletions in the short (p) arm of the chromosome have been identified in tumors of the brain and kidney. Duplications in the long (q) arm of the chromosome have been reported in a disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome, which is a disease of the blood and bone marrow. People with this condition have a low number of red blood cells (anemia) and an increased risk of developing leukemia.

other chromosomal conditions
Other changes in the number or structure of chromosome 1 can have a variety of effects, including delayed growth and development, distinctive facial features, birth defects, and other health problems. Changes to chromosome 1 may include an extra segment of the short (p) or long (q) arm of the chromosome in each cell (partial trisomy 1p or 1q), a missing segment of the short or long arm of the chromosome in each cell (partial monosomy 1p or 1q), or a circular structure called ring chromosome 1. Ring chromosomes occur when a chromosome breaks in two places and the ends of the chromosome arms fuse together to form a circular structure.

Is there a standard way to diagram chromosome 1?
Geneticists use diagrams called ideograms as a standard representation for chromosomes. Ideograms show a chromosome's relative size and its banding pattern. A banding pattern is the characteristic pattern of dark and light bands that appears when a chromosome is stained with a chemical solution and then viewed under a microscope. These bands are used to describe the location of genes on each chromosome.

blank1.gif


Chromosome 1 - Genetics Home Reference

Vanderbilt has an awesome repository of specific genes, and information about tons of specific portions of the gene them:

Dataset of Genes on chromosome 1
 

Kathryn

It was on fire when I laid down on it.
1q21.1 microduplication
A 1q21.1 microduplication is a copied (duplicated) segment of genetic material at position q21.1 on one of the two copies of chromosome 1 in each cell. Some people with a 1q21.1 microduplication have developmental delay, intellectual disability, or features of autism spectrum disorders characterized by impaired communication and socialization skills. Affected individuals may also have psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, malformations of the heart, or other neurological or physical features. Other individuals with 1q21.1 microduplications have no identified physical, intellectual, or behavioral problems.

This is interesting. I wonder if this runs in my family, since schizophrenia runs rampant in my family (my aunt, my grandmother, and my brother and probably several others). After my brother was diagnosed, I took a genetic/DNA test that did show I have an increased risk of schizophrenia. However, I am 53 and have never had any indication that I might suddenly develop it so I do feel like I'm out of the woods (though my risk was increased, the odds are still in my favor that I won't develop it).

DNA and genetics and all that jazz are very interesting. The same test I took also told me that I do not have an increased risk for Alzheimers or breast cancer (yay, me!).
 

jonathan180iq

Well-Known Member
I believe this is on topic, since you've mentioned Chromosome #1

Here's something super awesome about Chromosome #2
 

dust1n

Zindīq
This is interesting. I wonder if this runs in my family, since schizophrenia runs rampant in my family (my aunt, my grandmother, and my brother and probably several others). After my brother was diagnosed, I took a genetic/DNA test that did show I have an increased risk of schizophrenia. However, I am 53 and have never had any indication that I might suddenly develop it so I do feel like I'm out of the woods (though my risk was increased, the odds are still in my favor that I won't develop it).

DNA and genetics and all that jazz are very interesting.

Undoubtedly fascinating that a duplicate chain would cause so much harm, or not cause any harm at all, but I'm not sure this would be it, because apparently this type of thing is pretty rare. But, it's possible, because this sort of chain duplication can be passed down apparently. I wish I could know more about why these things appear to be the case, but I thought this was peculiar about this one section of the chromosome:

"The structure of 1q21.1 is complex. The area has a size of approximately 6 Megabase (Mb) (from 141.5 Mb to 147.9 Mb). Within 1q21.1 there are two areas where a duplication or deletion can be found: the TAR-area for the TAR syndrome and the distal area for other anomalies. The 1q21.1 duplication syndrome will commonly be found in the distal area, but an overlap with the TAR-area is possible. 1q21.1 has multiple repetitions of the same structure (areas with the same color in the picture have equal structures) Only 25% of the structure is unique. There are several gaps in the sequence. There is no further information available about the DNA-sequence in those areas up till now. The gaps represent approximately 700 Kilobase. New genes are expected in the gaps. Because the gaps are still a topic of research, it is hard to find the exact start and end markers of a deletion. The area of 1q21.1 is one of the most difficult parts of the human genome to map."

1q21.1 duplication syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

595px-Chromosome_1_to_1q21.1.jpg


The same test I took also told me that I do not have an increased risk for Alzheimers or breast cancer (yay, me!).

That's great. Nice to see around again, btw.
 
Last edited:

Kathryn

It was on fire when I laid down on it.
Undoubtedly fascinating that a duplicate chain would cause so much harm, or not cause any harm at all, but I'm not sure this would be it, because apparently this type of thing is pretty rare. But, it's possible, because this sort of chain duplication can be passed down apparently. I wish I could know more about why these things appear to be the case, but I thought this was peculiar about this one section of the chromosome:

"The structure of 1q21.1 is complex. The area has a size of approximately 6 Megabase (Mb) (from 141.5 Mb to 147.9 Mb). Within 1q21.1 there are two areas where a duplication or deletion can be found: the TAR-area for the TAR syndrome and the distal area for other anomalies. The 1q21.1 duplication syndrome will commonly be found in the distal area, but an overlap with the TAR-area is possible. 1q21.1 has multiple repetitions of the same structure (areas with the same color in the picture have equal structures) Only 25% of the structure is unique. There are several gaps in the sequence. There is no further information available about the DNA-sequence in those areas up till now. The gaps represent approximately 700 Kilobase. New genes are expected in the gaps. Because the gaps are still a topic of research, it is hard to find the exact start and end markers of a deletion. The area of 1q21.1 is one of the most difficult parts of the human genome to map."

1q21.1 duplication syndrome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

595px-Chromosome_1_to_1q21.1.jpg




That's great. Nice to see around again, btw.

Thank you - good to poke my head in and look around again. Nice to see you still here, Dust1n!
 

dust1n

Zindīq
CHROMOSOME #2 (486 KB): Note, I do mean Kilobytes, not kilobases, btw.

What is chromosome 2?
Humans normally have 46 chromosomes in each cell, divided into 23 pairs. Two copies of chromosome 2, one copy inherited from each parent, form one of the pairs. Chromosome 2 is the second largest human chromosome, spanning about 243 million building blocks of DNA (base pairs) and representing almost 8 percent of the total DNA in cells.

Identifying genes on each chromosome is an active area of genetic research. Because researchers use different approaches to predict the number of genes on each chromosome, the estimated number of genes varies. Chromosome 2 likely contains 1,300 to 1,400 genes that provide instructions for making proteins. These proteins perform a variety of different roles in the body.

Genes on chromosome 2 are among the estimated 20,000 to 25,000 total genes in the human genome.

How are changes in chromosome 2 related to health conditions?
Many genetic conditions are related to changes in particular genes on chromosome 2. This list of disorders associated with genes on chromosome 2 provides links to additional information.

Changes in the structure or number of copies of a chromosome can also cause problems with health and development. The following chromosomal conditions are associated with such changes in chromosome 2.

2q37 deletion syndrome
2q37 deletion syndrome is caused by a deletion of genetic material from a specific region in the long (q) arm of chromosome 2. The deletion occurs near the end of the chromosome at a location designated 2q37. The size of the deletion varies among affected individuals. The signs and symptoms of this disorder, which may include intellectual disability, autism, short stature, obesity, and characteristic facial features, are probably related to the loss of multiple genes in this region.

cancers
Changes in chromosome 2 have been identified in several types of cancer. These genetic changes are somatic, which means they are acquired during a person's lifetime and are present only in certain cells. For example, a rearrangement (translocation) of genetic material between chromosomes 2 and 3 has been associated with cancers of a certain type of blood cell originating in the bone marrow (myeloid malignancies).

Trisomy 2, in which cells have three copies of chromosome 2 instead of the usual two copies, has been found in myelodysplastic syndrome. This disease affects the blood and bone marrow. People with myelodysplastic syndrome have a low number of red blood cells (anemia) and an increased risk of developing a form of blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukemia.

other chromosomal conditions
Another chromosome 2 abnormality is known as a ring chromosome 2. A ring chromosome is formed when breaks occur at both ends of the chromosome and the broken ends join together to form a circular structure. Individuals with this chromosome abnormality often have developmental delay, small head size (microcephaly), slow growth before and after birth, heart defects, and distinctive facial features. The severity of symptoms typically depends on how many and which types of cells contain the ring chromosome 2.

Other changes involving the number or structure of chromosome 2 include an extra piece of the chromosome in each cell (partial trisomy 2) or a missing segment of the chromosome in each cell (partial monosomy 2). These changes can have a variety of effects on health and development, including intellectual disability, slow growth, characteristic facial features, weak muscle tone (hypotonia), and abnormalities of the fingers and toes.

Is there a standard way to diagram chromosome 2?
Geneticists use diagrams called ideograms as a standard representation for chromosomes. Ideograms show a chromosome's relative size and its banding pattern. A banding pattern is the characteristic pattern of dark and light bands that appears when a chromosome is stained with a chemical solution and then viewed under a microscope. These bands are used to describe the location of genes on each chromosome.

chr-2.jpeg


Chromosome 2 - Genetics Home Reference

Dataset of Genes on chromosome 2
 

dust1n

Zindīq
I believe this is on topic, since you've mentioned Chromosome #1

Here's something super awesome about Chromosome #2

I was getting there! I was going with one chromosome a day. Made sense. But yea, I appreciate this.

"All members of Hominidae except humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans have 24 pairs of chromosomes.[4] Humans have only 23 pairs of chromosomes. Human chromosome 2 is widely accepted to be a result of an end-to-end fusion of two ancestral chromosomes.[5][6]"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromosome_2




I was actually hope to find a lot more fun facts like this about each chromosome, but it's a little hard, so any help is appreciated in this matter. I was wondering why all I could find was disease related stuff. And I was like, oh yeah, because it's patently more important. But this has gotta get fun somehow.
 
Top