Chromosome 8

Chromosome 8 is one of the 23 pairs of chromosomes in humans. People normally have two copies of this chromosome. Chromosome 8 spans about 145 million base pairs (the building material of DNA) and represents between 4.5 and 5.0 percent of the total DNA in cells.

Structure

Chromosome 8, like all chromosomes, is composed of both DNA and protein. The DNA contains the specific genes while the proteins are involved in the structure, organization, and control of the chromosome's functions.

Genes

Chromosome 8 contains about 700 to 1,000 genes. Some of the genes located on chromosome 8 include the FGFR1 gene, which is related to cell growth and division, and the WRN gene, which is involved in maintaining the stability of a cell's genetic information.

Diseases and disorders

Several diseases and disorders are related to genes on chromosome 8. These include Werner syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, and certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and colon cancer.

Research

Research is currently being conducted to learn more about the genes on chromosome 8 and their effects on human health. This research will help scientists better understand the genetic basis of disease and could lead to new treatments and therapies.

See also

• Human genome
• Genetics
• Chromosome
• Gene
• DNA