Human Chromosome Evolution

During mammalian genome evolution, nuclear DNA content remained more or less unchanged and the chromosomal banding pattern was maintained with the exception of occasional chromosomal rearrangements. Chromosomal rearrangements occur frequently in individuals but only occasionally are they fixed into the common karyotype of a new species. The fixed rearrangements are passed on during evolution and unambiguously reveal how mammalian species are related to each other. Keywords: telomeres; centromeres; chromosome bands; mobile genetic elements