A chromosome is one of the most fundamental elements of cells, consisting of DNA, protein and RNA. In humans, each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, and the genetic coding within helps determine everything from our sex to the colour of our hair and our susceptibility to certain diseases and conditions. 

Traditionally, when trying to illustrate chromosomes, scientists have used an 'X' shape to visualise the basic structure of a chromosome. Now, research led by the Babraham Institute has helped develop a new way of looking at these tiny structures. While there is some basic truth to the 'X' shape, the reality is that chromosomes are much more complex, resembling a messy ball of spaghetti.

Dr Peter Fraser of Babraham Institute explains "the vast majority of cells in an organism have finished dividing and their chromosomes don't look anything like the X-shape... These unique images not only show us the structure of the chromosome, but also the path of the DNA in it, allowing us to map specific genes and other important features. Using these 3D models, we have begun to unravel the basic principles of chromosome structure and its role in how our genome functions."

The video below explains the discovery in more detail, while also giving us a glimpse at the 'true' structure of a chromosome:

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(Image: BBSRC / Babraham Institute)