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Ever wonder why Robin Williams is hirsute, while Patrick Stewart is follecularly challenged? Well, the answer is in their DNA-long, densely coiled, linear sequences of information which are contained in chromosomes located in the nucleus of cells. The study of these chromosomes is called Cytogenetics -- an important field of study that helps us gain an enhanced understanding not only in minor aesthetic differences like the quantity of hair on celebrity noggins, but also of serious genetic conditions like DiGeorge Syndrome.

Past and present students of biology will remember that cells replicate through a process called mitosis. The rest of the cell cycle is called interphase -- by far the longest phase of the cell cycle. During interphase, chromosomes are less condensed and are thus not visible under a microscope. However, during mitosis, the chromosomes are more easily seen. The image shown here was taken during "metaphase" -- a 33 minute period during which replicated chromosomes converge, cease significant movement, unwind, and split apart producing two daughter chromosomes.

The chromosomes pictured here are examples of normal human chromosomes. Click on this link for images and explanations of various genetic abnormalities.

Image courtesy University of Washington Department of Pathology Cytogenetics Image Gallery.


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			Explaining the Differences Ever wonder why Robin Williams is hirsute, while Patrick Stewart is follecularly challenged? Well, the answer is in their DNA-long, densely coiled, linear sequences of information which are contained in chromosomes located in the nucleus of cells. The study of these chromosomes is called Cytogenetics -- an important field of study that helps us gain an enhanced understanding not only in minor aesthetic differences like the quantity of hair on celebrity noggins, but also of serious genetic conditions like DiGeorge Syndrome. Past and present students of biology will remember that cells replicate through a process called mitosis. The rest of the cell cycle is called interphase -- by far the longest phase of the cell cycle. During interphase, chromosomes are less condensed and are thus not visible under a microscope. However, during mitosis, the chromosomes are more easily seen. The image shown here was taken during "metaphase" -- a 33 minute period during which replicated chromosomes converge, cease significant movement, unwind, and split apart producing two daughter chromosomes. The chromosomes pictured here are examples of normal human chromosomes. Click on this link for images and explanations of various genetic abnormalities. Image courtesy University of Washington Department of Pathology Cytogenetics Image Gallery.