Giant chromosome. Coloured computer-enhanced light micrograph of a giant (polytene) chromosome in a salivary gland cell of the fruit fly Drosophila fu

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Giant chromosome. Coloured computer-enhanced light micrograph of a giant (polytene) chromosome in a salivary gland cell of the fruit fly Drosophila funebris. Chromosomes are the thread- like structures present in the nucleus of all plant and animal cells. They contain the sequences of genes which govern inherited characteristics. The giant chromosome of the fruit fly is enlarged by repeated replica- tions (polyteny). A clear pattern of transverse bands (red & black) called chromomeres can be seen. Particular patterns help identify different parts of chromosomes and in the mapping of genes. Magnification: x390 at 5x7cm size. x985 at

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Size: 5305px × 3192px
Photo credit: © POWER AND SYRED/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: anatomy, animal, banding, body, chromomere, chromosome, chromosomes, drosophila, fly, fruit, giant, light, micrograph, polytene