Hi,
I have 4 questions regarding Biology.
1. Does a different chromosome number in two species represent a significant difference?
2. Chromosome 7 has an extra band at the top in chimpanzees; does this extra band affect the quantity of coding DNA? And does it make a significant difference in the species?
3. How can an individual with 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes mate with an individual with 23 pairs of autosomal chromosomes?
4. Why are blood protein tests (for determining phylogenetic relationships) more accurate than other comparison tests, but less accurate than others? And what other tests would these include?
THANK YOU!
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Biology is definitely not my area, but hopefully the following site will help you:
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/C/Chromosomes.html
Hello! I'm here to help you find the answers to your biology questions. Let's tackle each question one by one:
1. Does a different chromosome number in two species represent a significant difference?
Different chromosome numbers in two species can indeed represent a significant difference. Chromosomes carry genetic information, and changes in chromosome number can lead to variations in the genetic makeup of organisms. This can have significant effects on an organism's physical characteristics and behavior. To explore the significance further, you can refer to scientific literature, research papers, or biology textbooks that discuss chromosomal variation and its implications for species.
2. Chromosome 7 has an extra band at the top in chimpanzees; does this extra band affect the quantity of coding DNA? And does it make a significant difference in the species?
To determine the effects of an extra band on chromosome 7 in chimpanzees, you would need to examine scientific research specifically addressing this topic. Researchers would conduct experiments, observe the effects, and analyze the sequences of coding DNA present in chromosome 7 to understand any potential impact. Searching for scientific articles, research papers, or resources on chimpanzee genetics and comparing them to human genetics might provide more insight into the significance of this extra band.
3. How can an individual with 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes mate with an individual with 23 pairs of autosomal chromosomes?
In humans, individuals with an abnormal number of autosomal chromosomes, such as 23 pairs (46 chromosomes) and 22 pairs (44 chromosomes), may still be able to mate and produce offspring. This is possible due to the process of meiosis during reproductive cell formation. During meiosis, the chromosomes pair up and undergo specific division processes, resulting in the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the chromosome number of regular body cells. If an individual with 23 pairs of autosomal chromosomes mates with an individual with 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes, their offspring will have an intermediate chromosome number, such as 45 chromosomes. However, it's important to note that there might be challenges and potential genetic implications associated with such chromosome number variations, and a genetic counselor or medical professional should be consulted to understand the specific consequences.
4. Why are blood protein tests (for determining phylogenetic relationships) more accurate than other comparison tests, but less accurate than others? And what other tests would these include?
Blood protein tests, which analyze the proteins present in blood, can provide valuable information for determining phylogenetic relationships between species. These tests are more accurate than some other comparison tests because proteins are relatively conserved across species over time. Genetic variations and changes occur more slowly in proteins compared to DNA, making them useful in understanding evolutionary relationships. However, blood protein tests might be less accurate than some other comparison tests because they only focus on a subset of genetic information and might not capture the entire picture of genetic relatedness. Other tests used for phylogenetic relationships could include DNA sequence comparisons, analysis of morphological characteristics, fossil evidence, or even comparative studies of embryonic development.
While the provided website might help you with general biology concepts, it's always advisable to consult scientific literature, research articles, or biology textbooks for more detailed and accurate information on specific questions.