HW#521

Name: ______________________________________________ Chromosome Passage Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions below in a complete sentence.

Date: ___________________

Chromosomes are tiny, threadlike structures inside most cells of every organism, or living thing. Circle the chromosome in the picture below. Chromosomes carry information about the organism in units called genes. When living things reproduce, they pass their genes along to their offspring. In animals and plants, chromosomes are located inside the nucleus, or central structure, of each cell. A material called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) makes up most of each chromosome. Plant and animal chromosomes also contain a material called ribonucleic acid (RNA) and some proteins. Some organisms, including bacteria, do not have a nucleus. Their chromosomes float freely within the cell. In these organisms, chromosomes are made up of only DNA. Draw a picture of a chromosome here.

1. What are chromosomes?

2. What do chromosomes carry?

3. Where are chromosomes located in plant and animal organisms?

4. What makes up most of the chromosome structure?

5. What happens to the chromosomes of organisms that do not have a nucleus?

HW#521