What Is the Relationship Between a Gene & a Chromosome?

Genes

• The gene is the basic unit of heredity for all living organisms, containing chains of RNA and DNA that specify proteins and functions within an organism. Every function and characteristic of an organism is controlled by genes. Many genetic scientists think that ultimately these characteristics are genetic and can be transferred from organism to organism.

Chromosomes

• Chromosomes are made up of coiled DNA strands, genes and proteins that package sets of genetic information. Chromosomes are not interchangeable, as they each contain specific sets of genes. A particularly vivid example are the X and Y chromosomes present in human beings that contain specific information.

Genome

• The genome is the complete set of genes and chromosomes that make up all of the genetic characteristics of a particular species of organisms. The word genome actually derives from the words gene and chromosome, to describe the relationship between the gene and the chromosome.

Genetic Linkage

• Genetic linkage helps describe the inheritance of phenotypic traits, because in every organism, certain genes are carried with certain chromosomes inherited from either parent. When the genetic material from two sexually reproducing partners interacts, they trade chromosomes to form a unique organism.