The chromosome resembles more a crystal than other cell organelles

Abstract

Several organelles in the cell, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, are limited by one or several membranes, whereas others, like ribosomes and nucleoli have no membranes. Their shape is decided by their inner atomic coherence. The mineral crystal has no delimiting membranes built by separate atoms. Atomic self-assembly determines its pattern. Remarkable is that the chromosome has no outer membrane limiting its pattern as seen in the light and electronic microscopes. Its pattern is also decided by the inner coherence of the atomic configuration of its DNA, RNA, and proteins. The chromosome appears to occupy an intermediate position between a mineral crystal and a cell organelle when its atomic configuration is considered.

Keywords

• chromosome
• crystal structure
• DNA