Why Ferns Have More Chromosomes Than You

The video explores the concept of chromosomes, highlighting that the number of chromosomes does not correlate with an organism's complexity. It explains how chromosome numbers can vary due to random fusion and errors during meiosis, leading to either a reduction or increase in chromosome count. The video uses examples like humans, chimps, and the Adder's tongue fern to illustrate these points, emphasizing that more chromosomes do not equate to being more advanced but can be fascinating in their diversity.

What is the main reason different organisms have varying numbers of chromosomes?

• Different levels of organism complexity

• Random genetic mutations

• Mistakes in DNA replication and repair

• Environmental factors

What is the role of histones in chromosomes?

• They replicate DNA

• They are the building blocks of DNA

• They repair damaged DNA

• They help organize DNA into chromosomes

How does random fusion affect the number of chromosomes in a cell?

• It duplicates the genetic information

• It has no effect on the number of chromosomes

• It decreases the number of chromosomes

• It increases the number of chromosomes

What process can lead to an organism having extra sets of chromosomes?

• Mitosis

• Meiosis

• Random fusion

• DNA replication

Why might some plants have a large number of chromosomes?

• They have fewer genetic mutations

• They have a faster rate of cell division

• They are more complex than other organisms

• They have undergone multiple rounds of chromosome sticking