Chromosome 14

Chromosome 14 is one of the 23 pairs of chromosomes in humans. People normally have two copies of this chromosome. Chromosome 14 spans about 107 million base pairs (the building material of DNA) and represents between 3.5 and 4% of the total DNA in cells.

Identification

The identification of genes on each chromosome has been achieved through the use of different techniques. These techniques involve the use of different molecular biological techniques, including Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), gene sequencing, and genome mapping.

Genes

Chromosome 14 likely contains 800 to 900 genes that provide instructions for making proteins. These proteins perform a variety of different roles in the body.

Diseases and disorders

Alterations in the number or structure of chromosome 14 can cause several types of genetic conditions. These include autism, Alzheimer's disease, and congenital hypothyroidism. Other conditions are caused by mutations in genes located on chromosome 14. These include Tay-Sachs disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and Wolfram syndrome.

See also

• List of human chromosomes
• Human genome

External links

• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
• Human Molecular Genetics (HMG)

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  Chromosome 14 high resolution cropped
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  Chromosome 14 high resolution
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  Chromosome 14 ideogram
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  Chromosome 14 banding patterns