Chromosomes are a very small structure containing genetic information.
For an organism to grow and function properly, cells must keep dividing to produce new cells to replace old ones. During cell division, DNA remains intact and chromosomes are a key part of the process that ensures DNA is accurately copied .Chromosomes vary in number and shape among living things. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46 chromosomes. The structure of a chromosome looks like the following.
There are many different and important types of chromosomes. Before we go on, it is important to mention that haploid cells are 1 cell while diploid are 2 cells. Sex chromosomes are chromosomes involved in sex determination while autosomes are all other chromosomes.
Metacentric- centromere is located near the middle.
Submetacentric- centromere off center
Acrocentric- centromere at the end of the arms
Submetacentric- centromere off center
Acrocentric- centromere at the end of the arms
A great way to review this information and get a more hands on feel would be to check out:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/chromosomes/intro/
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/chromosomes/intro/