Difference Between Gene and Chromosome, Location and Composition
Difference Between Gene and Chromosome is that a gene is a segment of DNA containing instructions for specific proteins. A chromosome is a cell structure containing a person's genes.
Krati Saraswat23 May, 2025
Share
Difference Between Gene and Chromosome: Genes and chromosomes are crucial for storing genetic information. Chromosomes consist of numerous genes that encode data for constructing essential proteins. Proteins act as building blocks for body tissues and contribute to forming complex compounds that regulate chemical processes. Genes on chromosomes govern protein synthesis, while chromosomes are primarily composed of DNA and protein.
Genes are segments of DNA that transmit information for specific traits. They are present in approximately 29-30 copies in each body cell. Chromosomes, formed by proteins and DNA molecules, are located in cell nuclei and play a crucial role in cell division. Humans have either 23 or 46 pairs of chromosomes. The article below explains the important difference between gene and chromosome.| NEET Biology Syllabus | NEET Biology Diagrams |
| NEET Biology MCQ | NEET Biology Chapter wise Weightage |
| NEET Biology Notes | NEET Previous Year Question papers |
Difference Between Gene and Chromosome Overview
Difference Between Gene and Chromosome
Chromosomes are structures that contain DNA and are found in the nucleus of all cells in the body. These chromosomes contain a large number of genes, which are specific segments of DNA. Each gene has a specific function, such as providing instructions for producing specific proteins. Genes and chromosomes direct cell replication, influencing overall growth and development. The following table outlines the difference between gene and chromosome:| Difference Between Gene and Chromosome | ||
|---|---|---|
| Character | Gene | Chromosome |
| Definition | Genes are crucial DNA segments coding for proteins. | Chromosomes are clusters of cells containing genes within the human body. |
| Location | Genes are situated within the chromosomes. | Chromosomes are structured as condensed DNA-protein arrangements inside cells. |
| Composition | Genes are composed of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). | Chromosomes consist of nucleic acids like RNA, DNA, or Histones. |
| Visibility | Genes are not visible under the microscope. | Chromosomes are visible under the microscope. |
| Core | A gene serves as a core within a chromosome. | Chromosomes encompass numerous genes. |
| Transformation | Gene transformations are small, causing insertions and deletions. | Chromosome transformations are relatively large, leading to abnormalities like duplications, deletions, rearrangements, and gene inversions. |
Gene
The discovery of the human genome occurred in 2003. It is composed of the complete DNA makeup of an organism and encodes information for constructing specific proteins. The genetic information in the genome determines inherited traits. Each human cell contains approximately 25,000 to 30,000 genomes, forming chromosomes. While most genomes and chromosomes share a similar structure, their unique DNA codes differentiate them.Chromosome
A chromosome is a DNA molecule that houses multiple genomes and is usually visible under a microscope. It is recognized as an ordered DNA arrangement always found within the cell nucleus. Chromosomal characteristics vary between organisms. The human body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes. 22 of these pairs are known as autosomes, and the remaining pair contains the sex chromosomes X and Y. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, ensuring that offspring get half of their chromosomes from their mother and half from their father.Difference Between Gene and Chromosome FAQs
How many genes are present in a single chromosome?
The number of genes varies across chromosomes. In humans, chromosome 1 harbors the highest count of genes (2968), while Chromosome Y has the fewest (231). Chromosome 21, being the smallest, contains 300 genes.
Is DNA the same as a gene or chromosome?
Genes are composed of DNA, and multiple genes are found on each chromosome.
What distinguishes a gene from an allele or a chromosome?
Chromosomes consist of DNA, organized into specific gene segments. Each gene segment contains instructions for cellular behavior and gene expression. Alleles are diverse forms of genes that dictate which genes will be expressed.
Is the XXY configuration associated with a male or female chromosome?
Typically, females have a pair of X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). In Klinefelter syndrome, however, males have an additional X chromosome (XXY). The presence of the X chromosome does not define a "female" chromosome, as it is present in all individuals. The presence of a Y chromosome indicates male sex.
How does DNA differ from a gene?
DNA, genes, and chromosomes collaborate to shape individual characteristics. Chromosomes carry DNA within cells, with DNA being responsible for constructing and maintaining the human structure. Genes, which are segments of DNA, contribute to unique physical traits.
🔥 Trending Blogs
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.