Link to Pubmed [PMID] – 38517328
Link to DOI – 10.1091/mbc.E23-12-0498
Mol Biol Cell 2024 Apr; 35(4): pe1
Chromosomes and karyotypes are particularly rich in oddities and extremes. Described below are 10 remarkable chromosomes and karyotypes sprinkled throughout the tree of life. These include variants in chromosome number, structure, and dynamics both natural and engineered. This versatility highlights the robustness and tolerance of the mitotic and meiotic machinery to dramatic changes in chromosome and karyotype architecture. These examples also illustrate that the robustness comes at a cost, enabling the evolution of chromosomes that subvert mitosis and meiosis.