What macromolecules make up chromosomes?

Chromosomes are primarily composed of nucleic acids and proteins. The nucleic acids in chromosomes are DNA, which provides the genetic blueprint for an organism, carrying the instructions for the development and functioning of all living things.

The proteins, predominantly histones, play a crucial role in packaging and organizing the DNA within the nucleus of the cell. These histone proteins bind to DNA, allowing it to be tightly coiled and condensed into the structure that we recognize as chromosomes during cell division. This complex of DNA and histone proteins is often referred to as chromatin when the cell is not dividing, highlighting the dynamic interaction between these two types of macromolecules.

Other macromolecules such as carbohydrates and lipids do not have a structural role in chromosomes, thus making their inclusion in the composition of chromosomes inaccurate. Therefore, the combination of nucleic acids (DNA) and proteins (histones) directly explains the architecture and functionality of chromosomes.