What are chromosomes?

Chromosomes are thin threads of genes (DNA) present in almost every cell of our body. Genes carry the information that tells the body how to grow, function and determines all our physical characteristics. A person normally has 23 chromosome pairs for a total of 46 chromosomes. We inherit 23 chromosomes from our mother and 23 chromosomes from our father. The autosome chromosomes are labeled 1 through 22 from the largest to the smallest. There is one pair of sex chromosomes, which determines if the individual is a male (X and Y) or female (2 X chromosomes). Chromosomes can be seen using a special microscope. Below is a picture of chromosomes.


The chromosomes can be evaluated to make sure the correct number of chromosomes is present and that they appear structurally normal (no missing or extra pieces).

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