chromosome Definition
- 1a thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
- 2a rod-shaped or threadlike structure in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell, most visible during mitosis and meiosis, containing most of the DNA of the cell and composed of histones and nonhistone proteins
Using chromosome: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "chromosome" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Example
The sex of a baby is determined by the chromosomes inherited from the parents.
Example
Mutations in chromosomes can lead to genetic disorders.
chromosome Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for chromosome
- heredity
- genetic material
- DNA
Phrases with chromosome
a chromosome involved with determining the sex of an organism, typically one of two kinds.
Example
In humans, females have two X chromosomes while males have one X and one Y chromosome.
any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.
Example
Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes.
homologous chromosomes
a pair of chromosomes that contain the same genes in the same order, one from each parent.
Example
Humans have two homologous chromosomes for each of the 23 pairs.
Origins of chromosome
from Greek 'chroma' meaning color and 'soma' meaning body
Summary: chromosome in Brief
A 'chromosome' [ˈkrəʊməsəʊm] is a thread-like structure in the nucleus of most living cells that carries genetic information in the form of genes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, and mutations can lead to genetic disorders. 'Chromosome' extends into phrases like 'sex chromosome,' which determines the sex of an organism, and 'homologous chromosomes,' which contain the same genes in the same order from each parent.
