CHROMOSOME Meaning and
Definition
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A chromosome refers to a thread-like structure composed of DNA and proteins found within the cell nucleus of living organisms. It carries the genetic information, or the hereditary material, of an organism in the form of genes. Genes are segments of DNA that code for specific traits and characteristics. Chromosomes come in pairs, with one copy received from each parent during fertilization in sexually reproducing species. They can be observed and analyzed during cell division, such as during mitosis or meiosis.
In most species, chromosomes are organized as distinct structures visible under a microscope. They possess a centromere, which is essential for the proper separation of chromosomes during cell division. Along the length of the chromosome, genes are arranged in a linear fashion. The exact number of chromosomes varies across different species, such as humans having 23 pairs (total of 46 chromosomes) and dogs having 39 pairs (total of 78 chromosomes).
Chromosomes play a vital role in determining an individual's traits, including physical characteristics, inherited diseases, and predispositions to certain health conditions. Variations in the structure or number of chromosomes can lead to genetic disorders or developmental abnormalities. Additionally, the study of chromosomes, known as cytogenetics, is crucial for understanding inheritance patterns, species evolution, and genetic diversity.
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A rod-shaped or thread-like body of chromatin in the cell nucleus, which splits longitudinally as the cell divides, one half going to the nucleus of each of the daughter cells.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Top Common Misspellings for CHROMOSOME *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CHROMOSOME
Etymology of CHROMOSOME
The word "chromosome" was coined by German cytologist Heinrich Wilhelm Gottfried von Waldeyer-Hartz in 1888. It is derived from the Greek words "chroma", meaning "color", and "soma", meaning "body". Waldeyer used this term to describe the visible colored bodies that were observed in cell division and appeared to be responsible for the transmission of hereditary traits.
Idioms with the word CHROMOSOME
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human artificial chromosome
The idiom "human artificial chromosome" refers to a genetically engineered structure that is designed to mimic or replicate the natural chromosome found in human cells. It is an artificial construct that contains genes and DNA sequences, often with specific purposes or functions assigned to it. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or scenario that is contrived or engineered, lacking natural authenticity or genuineness.
Similar spelling words for CHROMOSOME
- chromosome-formation,
- hetero-chromosome,
- Chromism,
- chromosomal,
- sex-chromosome,
- chrome green,
- cheremis,
- chromesthesia,
- m-chromosome,
- chromosome-races,
- x-chromosome,
- daughter-chromosome,
- cheremiss,
- chromogen,
- Y-chromosome,
- chromosphere.
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