chromosomes

1. The small bodies in the nucleus of a cell that carry the chemical “instructions” for reproduction of the cell. They consist of strands of DNA wrapped in a double helix around a core of proteins. Each species of plant or animal has a characteristic number of chromosomes. For human beings, for example, it is forty-six.

In humans, sex is determined by two chromosomes: an X-chromosome, which is female, and a Y-chromosome, which is male. (See sex chromosomes.)

Example Sentences

At her 10-week appointment, she learned that her child had triploidy, a genetic condition where a fetus has three sets of chromosomes instead of two, and would miscarry late-term or die at birth.

From Salon

However, this egg is not ready to be fertilised by sperm as it already contains a full suite of chromosomes.

From BBC

People with this particular DSD have male XY chromosomes, but some are recorded as female at birth.

From BBC

In comparison female cats have two X chromosomes so the DNA needs to be missing in both chromosomes to increase lighter pigment production to the same extent - it means a mixed colouring is more likely.

From BBC

There are believed to be two ways in which sex chromosomes can cause sex-specific differences, also called sexual dimorphism, in cells.

From Salon