Chromosome 8
Chromosome 8
Length of DNA
145'138'636 bp
i.e. 4.8 cm
Estimated number of genes
687
Sequenced
in Canada, Germany, Japan, the UK and the USA
Link
+
Chromosome 8 contains a region which has evolved rapidly since the emergence of primates. In particular, it carries a group of over 20 genes which are involved in anti-microbial defence and one gene that could have played a role in increasing brain size in the great apes.
Would you like an orange?
Who hasn’t been offered orange or grapefruit juice for breakfast? Where does this habit come from?
liquid blood
PLAT: This gene is involved in dissolving blood clots.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
black and white
CNGB3: gene coding for a protein that is essential for detecting red, green and blue colors. People who have certain variations in this gene see in black and white (achromatopsia).
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
retina
RP1: A gene that plays an important role in vision. A defect in this gene is responsible for retinitis pigmentosa.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
new bones
CA1: This gene is involved in bone regeneration and is associated with osteoporosis.
ouch!
TRPA1: This gene is involved in the perception of cold, pain and irritations that are due to certain pigments or tear gas.
External links
Protein Spotlight: The power behind pain
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Internal links
Chromosome 2: SCN9A
on art and psychosis
NRG1: People with variation in this gene could have a predisposition for creativeness but may also be subject to a certain form of psychosis.
defence
DEFA1/DEFA3: Group of genes involved in anti-microbial defence.
External links
Prolune - article: HIV: «The Defensins strike back»
One of the corresponding proteins in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
grey matter
MCPH1: This gene is involved in regulating the size of our brain.