chromosome number

American  

noun

Genetics.

1. the characteristic number of chromosomes contained in the cell nucleus of a given species.

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chromosome number British  

noun

1. the number of chromosomes present in each somatic cell, which is constant for any one species of plant or animal. In the reproductive cells this number is halved See also diploid haploid

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Etymology

Origin of chromosome number

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chromosome number

One of the earliest warning signs in this process is the presence of chromosomal abnormalities, which include changes in chromosome number or structure.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 10, 2026

Genomic sequencing also revealed that D. catalonica has a haploid chromosome number of four autosomes plus one X chromosome, while D. tilosensis has six autosomes and one X chromosome.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2025

Draw a conclusion: Given what you know about the number of chromosomes in each fruit, can you conclude that chromosome number necessarily correlates to DNA amount?

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

Diplontic refers to a life cycle in which the diploid stage is the dominant stage, and the haploid chromosome number is only seen for a brief time in the life cycle during sexual reproduction.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 25, 2013

Because the chromosome number for a given species is constant, the egg and the sperm, which are to unite to form a new individual, must carry to their union only half the species number.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson