Definition

1. Noun:
   • A threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes: A chromosome is a fundamental unit of heredity, composed of DNA and associated proteins, which organizes and transmits genetic instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of an organism.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • Each human cell typically contains 46 chromosomes.
  • Scientists study chromosomes to understand genetic disorders.
  • The X and Y chromosomes determine biological sex in many species.

Advanced Usage

• "Homologous chromosomes": A pair of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent, that are similar in length, gene position, and centromere location.
  • During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material.
• "Chromosome number": The total count of chromosomes in a cell of a given species.
  • The chromosome number is constant for a species but varies between different species.

Variants and Related Words

• Chromosomal (adj): Relating to or involving chromosomes.
  • A chromosomal abnormality was detected.
• Chromatin (n): The material of which chromosomes are composed, consisting of DNA, RNA, and proteins.
  • Chromatin condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

Synonyms

• Genetic strand: A threadlike structure carrying genes.
• Chromatid: One of the two identical copies of a replicated chromosome.

Related Phrases and Terms

• "Sex chromosome": A chromosome involved in determining the sex of an organism (e.g., X or Y in humans).
  • The presence of a Y chromosome typically leads to male development.
• "Autosome": Any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.
  • Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes.

Noun

1. a threadlike strand of DNA in the cell nucleus that carries the genes in a linear order
   • humans have 22 chromosome pairs plus two sex chromosomes