Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: LIVESCIENCE
Context: For the first time, scientists have successfully sequenced the Y chromosome, providing insights that could impact the understanding of male infertility and various health issues.
Significance:
- Y chromosome sequence will aid the study of conditions and disorders linked to this chromosome, including male infertility.
- Significance for health and longevity, as it contains genes related to cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention.
- Y chromosome’s role in age-associated diseases, men’s shorter lifespans, and cellular ageing could be further explored with this complete sequence.
The Y chromosome presented challenges due to its repetitive nature. Unlike other chromosomes, a significant portion of the Y chromosome consists of repetitive sequences and palindromes.
About Chromosomes:
Chromosomes are thread-like structures that carry genetic information from cell to cell. They are made of DNA and proteins. DNA is the material that holds genes, which are the building blocks of the human body.
Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. The first 22 pairs are called autosomes. These code for most of the genetic traits in the body. The 23rd pair are known as the sex chromosomes. These chromosomes decide if a person will be born male or female. Females have two copies of the X chromosome, while males have one X and one Y chromosome.
