2006-11-30 22:19:25 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The DNA "environment" varies along the length of a chromosome. Although it's true that there is no simplistic answer as there are many unknown causes of different recombination rates, it's also true that areas of heterochromatin condensation (areas where the DNA is wound around proteins called histones) have an effect on this, as well as DNA methylation. The amount of heterochromatin and DNA modification varies along the length of the chromosome and is somewhat dependent on the amount of repetitive DNA.
2006-12-01 00:54:38 · answer #1 · answered by btpage0630 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, science doesn't know the answer to that question yet. However, it is definitely a noted phenomenon that there are "hot" regions and "cold" regions within the chromosome that are either more or less prone to mutations. It seems like some areas just like to recombine more frequently. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
2006-12-01 06:55:15 · answer #2 · answered by janegalt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋