kromosoomikomplekti

Kromosoomikomplekt refers to the complete set of chromosomes found within a cell of a particular species. In eukaryotes, chromosomes are typically organized into homologous pairs, meaning that each chromosome in a pair carries genes for the same traits, though the specific alleles for those genes may differ. The number of chromosomes in a somatic cell (a non-reproductive cell) is called the diploid number, denoted as 2n. For humans, the diploid number is 46, organized into 23 pairs.

Gametes, or reproductive cells like sperm and egg cells, are haploid, meaning they contain only half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells, denoted as n. In humans, gametes have 23 chromosomes. The process of meiosis reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid, ensuring that when fertilization occurs, the resulting zygote restores the diploid number.

The structure of chromosomes is crucial for accurate cell division and inheritance. Each chromosome consists of a single, highly coiled DNA molecule along with associated proteins, primarily histones, which help package the DNA. During cell division, chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope. The number and structure of chromosomes are characteristic of a species, and abnormalities in either can lead to genetic disorders. The study of chromosome number and structure is known as cytogenetics.