Asked by akashbalamurali7 | 12th Nov, 2009, 10:49: PM

Expert Answer:

 Gene is the fundamental physical and functional unit of heredity. A gene is an ordered sequence of nucleotides located in a particular position on a particular chromosome that encodes a specific functional product (ie, a protein or RNA molecule). Many genes are present in a single chromosome. Every human being has 20,000 to 25,000 genes that determine the growth, development and functions of our physical and biochemical systems. Genes are normally packaged into 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) inside our cells.

Chromosomes and genes are present in pairs.

Both of them are involved in transmission of characters from parents to offsprings.

One chromosome of each pair came from your mother and one from your father. Every human has two alleles of each gene. One allele is inherited from his mother and the other is inherited from his father.

Both genes and chromosomes are made up of nucleotides.


Thus it can be seen that genes and chromosomes have similar characteristics or behaviour.

Answered by  | 19th Nov, 2009, 01:10: PM
