Chromosome 20 (human)

Chromosome 20 (human) is one of the 23 pairs of chromosomes in humans. People normally have two copies of this chromosome. Chromosome 20 spans about 63 million base pairs (the building blocks of DNA) and represents approximately 2% of the total DNA in cells.

Genetic Characteristics

Identifying the exact number of genes on each chromosome is an ongoing process, but chromosome 20 is estimated to contain between 500 to 600 genes that are involved in a wide range of bodily functions and processes. These genes play crucial roles in the development and function of the human body, influencing everything from enzyme production to the immune response.

Associated Diseases and Disorders

Alterations in the structure or number of copies of chromosome 20 can lead to various medical conditions. Some of these include:

• Alzheimer's disease: Variations in certain genes on chromosome 20 have been linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: A rare, degenerative, invariably fatal brain disorder has been associated with mutations in a gene on chromosome 20.
• Waardenburg syndrome: This genetic disorder, which can affect the color of a person's skin, hair, and eyes, and cause deafness, has been linked to mutations in genes on chromosome 20.

Research and Studies

Ongoing research is focused on further understanding the genes on chromosome 20 and their association with diseases and disorders. This includes studying the genetic variations and mutations that may predispose individuals to certain conditions or affect their prognosis.

See Also

• Genetics
• Human genome
• Chromosome
• Gene
• DNA