chromosome

[kroh-muh-sohm]

noun

Genetics.

1. any of several threadlike bodies, consisting of chromatin, that carry the genes in a linear order: the human species has 23 pairs, designated 1 to 22 in order of decreasing size and X and Y for the sex-determining chromosomes.

chromosome

/ ˈkrəʊməˌsəʊm /

noun

1. any of the microscopic rod-shaped structures that appear in a cell nucleus during cell division, consisting of nucleoprotein arranged into units (genes) that are responsible for the transmission of hereditary characteristics See also homologous chromosomes

chromosome

1. A structure in all living cells that consists of a single molecule of DNA bonded to various proteins and that carries the genes determining heredity. In all eukaryotic cells, the chromosomes occur as threadlike strands in the nucleus. During cell reproduction, these strands coil up and condense into much thicker structures that are easily viewed under a microscope. Chromosomes occur in pairs in all of the cells of eukaryotes except the reproductive cells, which have one of each chromosome, and some red blood cells (such as those of mammals) that expel their nuclei. In bacterial cells and other prokaryotes, which have no nucleus, the chromosome is a circular strand of DNA located in the cytoplasm.

Other Word Forms

• chromosomal adjective
• chromosomally adverb
• interchromosomal adjective
• interchromosomally adverb
• nonchromosomal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chromosome¹

First recorded in 1885–90; chromo- + -some ³

Example Sentences

Their research centers on TERRA, an RNA molecule that helps maintain the ends of chromosomes -- the regions of DNA that support cell stability and overall health.

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When a virus approaches the bacterial cell, PinQ triggers a DNA inversion, flipping a section of genetic code inside the chromosome.

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Having a pair of X chromosomes may shield females from harmful mutations and extend their lifespan.

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Before a cell can split into two, it must first copy all of its chromosomes so each new cell inherits a complete set of genetic material.

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A new review suggests that vitamin D supplements may help protect the ends of our chromosomes, known as telomeres, which play a vital role in slowing the aging process.

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