Human gametes have 23 chromosomes, or one complete set of chromosomes; a set of chromosomes is complete with either one of the sex chromosomes, X or Y. An organism’s traits are determined by the genes inherited from each parent.

Prokaryotes have a single circular chromosome composed of double-stranded DNA, whereas eukaryotes have multiple, linear chromosomes composed of chromatin wrapped around histones, all of which are surrounded by a… Genes are segments of DNA that code for a specific functional molecule (a protein or RNA).

histone — one of several similar, highly conserved, low molecular weight, basic proteins found in the chromatin of all eukaryotic cells; associates with DNA to form nucleosomes. chromatid — single DNA molecule of two strands of duplicated DNA and associated proteins held together at the centromere. cell cycle — ordered series of events involving cell growth and cell division that produces two new daughter cells. gene — physical and functional unit of heredity, a sequence of DNA that codes for a protein.