Biology SL
Biology SL
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Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Insights into Chromosome Movement Mitosis & Meiosis

Word Count Emoji
438 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Party Alert! 🎉 Imagine hosting a big party where everyone has to leave at the same time and head to two different locations, without causing traffic jams or knots! That’s kinda what cells do during mitosis and meiosis with chromosomes. Here’s how:

Chromosome Sizing-Up 🤯

  • Human DNA in one chromosome is super long – like over 50,000 µm!
  • Real-world analogy: If you unroll all the toilet paper from its roll, that's your super long DNA. Now imagine fitting that entire length into a teeny-weeny space – that's the nucleus which is less than 5 µm wide.
  • For our cell party to be knot-free and tangle-less, we need to fold this toilet paper – or the DNA!

The Art of Chromosome Condensation 💁‍♀️

  • The DNA is wound around histone proteins, creating structures called nucleosomes.
  • Think of these as those fancy party decorations you make by folding streamers into cute rosettes.
  • There are some more ways chromosomes condense, but scientists are like detectives on the case. It’s still a mystery waiting to be solved!

Microtubules – The Cell's Uber Ride 🚕

  • Microtubules are like little taxis made of tubulin proteins, helping to move chromosomes.
  • Fun fact: These microtubules aren't just for party time; they also form the cell's skeleton during interphase.
  • When it's party split-time (mitosis or meiosis), some microtubules reassemble to form a spindle shape. This is orchestrated by the MTOCs located at the cell poles.

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IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Insights into Chromosome Movement Mitosis & Meiosis

Word Count Emoji
438 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Party Alert! 🎉 Imagine hosting a big party where everyone has to leave at the same time and head to two different locations, without causing traffic jams or knots! That’s kinda what cells do during mitosis and meiosis with chromosomes. Here’s how:

Chromosome Sizing-Up 🤯

  • Human DNA in one chromosome is super long – like over 50,000 µm!
  • Real-world analogy: If you unroll all the toilet paper from its roll, that's your super long DNA. Now imagine fitting that entire length into a teeny-weeny space – that's the nucleus which is less than 5 µm wide.
  • For our cell party to be knot-free and tangle-less, we need to fold this toilet paper – or the DNA!

The Art of Chromosome Condensation 💁‍♀️

  • The DNA is wound around histone proteins, creating structures called nucleosomes.
  • Think of these as those fancy party decorations you make by folding streamers into cute rosettes.
  • There are some more ways chromosomes condense, but scientists are like detectives on the case. It’s still a mystery waiting to be solved!

Microtubules – The Cell's Uber Ride 🚕

  • Microtubules are like little taxis made of tubulin proteins, helping to move chromosomes.
  • Fun fact: These microtubules aren't just for party time; they also form the cell's skeleton during interphase.
  • When it's party split-time (mitosis or meiosis), some microtubules reassemble to form a spindle shape. This is orchestrated by the MTOCs located at the cell poles.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟