Chromosome vs. Gene — What's the Difference?

A thread-like structure of DNA that carries genes.

A DNA segment that codes for a specific protein or function.

Carries hereditary information in the form of genes.

Sequence of nucleotides in DNA determining a particular characteristic.

Organizational unit for genetic material.

Region of DNA directing the production of a particular protein.

Complex of DNA and proteins forming a distinct structure.

Carrier of genetic information passed from parent to offspring.

A chromosome is a long DNA molecule with part or all of the genetic material of an organism. Most eukaryotic chromosomes include packaging proteins called histones which, aided by chaperone proteins, bind to and condense the DNA molecule to maintain its integrity.

Basic physical and functional unit of heredity.

A linear strand of DNA and associated proteins in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells that carries the genes and functions in the transmission of hereditary information.

In biology, a gene (from genos (Greek) meaning generation or birth or gender) is a basic unit of heredity and a sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that encodes the synthesis of a gene product, either RNA or protein.During gene expression, the DNA is first copied into RNA. The RNA can be directly functional or be the intermediate template for a protein that performs a function. The transmission of genes to an organism's offspring is the basis of the inheritance of phenotypic traits.

A circular strand of DNA in bacteria and archaea that contains the hereditary information necessary for cell life.

(in informal use) a unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring

A linear arrangement of condensed DNA and associated proteins (such as chaperone proteins) which contains the genetic material (genome) of an organism.

A hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and is transcribed into an RNA molecule that may function directly or be translated into an amino acid chain. Genes undergo mutation when their DNA sequences change.

One of the minute bodies into which the chromatin of the nucleus is resolved during mitotic cell division; the idant of Weismann.

(genetics) A theoretical unit of heredity of living organisms; a gene may take several values and in principle predetermines a precise trait of an organism's form (phenotype), such as hair color.

A threadlike body in the cell nucleus that carries the genes in a linear order

(molecular biology) A segment of DNA or RNA from a cell's or an organism's genome, that may take several forms and thus parameterizes a phenomenon, in general the structure of a protein; locus.

(genetics) a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding DNA as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity;

Yes, during certain stages of cell division, chromosomes can be visualized under a microscope.

A gene encodes instructions for making specific proteins or molecules that perform functions in the body.

While a gene is a segment of DNA responsible for a specific trait, an allele is one of the different versions of that gene.

Humans have 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs.

Parents pass on combinations of their chromosomes, and therefore genes, to their offspring, determining inherited traits.

Genes carry the instructions for traits, and variations in genes can lead to different expressions of those traits.

No, genes can be "turned on" or "off" depending on various factors, including developmental stage and environmental signals.

Chromosomal abnormalities can lead to disorders like Down syndrome.

Mutations can occur due to errors during DNA replication, environmental factors, or other causes.

Yes, all living organisms have chromosomes, though the number and structure can vary widely between species.