Chromosome 13 represents between 3.5% and 4% of the total DNA in cells.
Summary:
- autosome
- medium sized chromosome
- about 114,000,000 base pairs
- about 551 genes
Gene examples of chromosome 13:
The SLITRK1 gene encodes a protein that is active in the brain and may play a role in the growth and development of nerve cells. Here it is probably required for the connection between the nerve cells. Mutations in the SLITRK1 gene have been identified in a small number of people with Tourette syndrome, which is characterized by repetitive, uncontrolled and sudden body movements or outbursts of sounds (called tics).
The product of the RB1 (retinoblastoma 1) gene is a protein, which regulates the cell cycle (the cyclic progression of events from one cell division to the next). It is a tumor suppressor by preventing cells from growing too rapidly or uncontrolled and dividing, and thus from forming a tumor. Mutations in the RB1 gene are responsible for most cases of retinoblastoma, a rare type of eye cancer. Inherited mutations in the RB1 gene also increase the risk of developing several other cancers, like osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer), melanoma (a type of skin cancer) or bladder cancer.
The chromosome 13 image
The whole chromosome 13 image has a width of 3500 px and a height of 32623 px. It is too big to display here but you can download the chromosome 13 image. A 200 px wide overview of the chromosome can be seen on the right (bottom). Additionally, we show some details out of the original sized chromosome picture below.
Image details (examples):
