HEMICHROMOSOME Meaning and
Definition
-
Hemichromosome refers to a partial or half of a chromosome, which is the thread-like structure found in the nucleus of cells that carries genetic information. Chromosomes are composed of DNA and proteins, and they are responsible for transmitting hereditary traits from one generation to the next.
In specific cases, an artificial breakdown or partial division of a chromosome can result in the formation of two distinct portions, known as hemichromosomes. Each hemichromosome contains one half of the genetic material of the original chromosome. This phenomenon can occur due to various reasons, such as genetic mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, or experimental manipulations.
Hemichromosomes can significantly affect the functioning and behavior of cells, as they may disrupt the normal gene expression patterns and the overall stability of the genome. They can be associated with genetic disorders and diseases, as well as alterations in chromosomal structure or function. Detailed studies and analysis of hemichromosomes allow researchers to better understand the chromosomal dynamics, genome stability, and the impact of genetic changes on cellular processes.
Overall, hemichromosomes are partial divisions of a chromosome that can occur naturally or artificially and have implications for genetic studies and the comprehension of chromosomal behavior and function.
-
A lateral half of a chromosome.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEMICHROMOSOME
- gemichromosome
- bemichromosome
- nemichromosome
- jemichromosome
- uemichromosome
- yemichromosome
- hwmichromosome
- hsmichromosome
- hdmichromosome
- hrmichromosome
- h4michromosome
- h3michromosome
- henichromosome
- hekichromosome
- hejichromosome
- hemuchromosome
- hemjchromosome
- hemkchromosome
- hemochromosome
- hem9chromosome
Etymology of HEMICHROMOSOME
The word "hemichromosome" is formed by combining two components: "hemi-" and "chromosome".
The prefix "hemi-" derives from the Greek word "hēmi-" meaning "half" or "one-half". It indicates that something is divided in half or represents half of a whole.
The term "chromosome" is derived from the Greek words "chroma" meaning "color" and "soma" meaning "body". This is because chromosomes are structures found in the nucleus of cells that contain genetic material and can be stained to reveal colors under a microscope.
Therefore, "hemichromosome" refers to a chromosomal region that represents half of a chromosome or half of a complete set of chromosomes.
