chromosomes

Cultural  

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.

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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

DNA is tightly packed into chromosomes, similar to thread wound around a spool, and is often present in multiple copies that must be reliably passed on during division.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

Some reports took the IBA saying Khelif has XY chromosomes to speculate that the fighter might have DSD.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Even men who lack Y chromosomes still have a copy of the SRY region on one of their X chromosomes, which accounts for their maleness.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

These regions of DNA ensure that chromosomes are properly separated when cells divide.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

To the untrained eye, it simply creates a beautiful mosaic of colored chromosomes.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot