chromonema

[ kroh-muh-nee-muh ]

noun

, Genetics.

, plural chro·mo·ne·ma·ta [kroh-m, uh, -, nee, -m, uh, -t, uh].

1. a chromosome thread that is relatively uncoiled at early prophase but assumes a spiral form at metaphase.

chromonema

/ ˌkrəʊməʊnɪˈmætɪk; ˌkrəʊməˈniːmə /

noun

1. the coiled mass of threads visible within a nucleus at the start of cell division
2. a coiled chromatin thread within a single chromosome

Derived Forms

• ˌchromoˈnemal, adjective

Other Words From

• chro·mo·ne·mat·ic [kroh-m, uh, -n, uh, -, mat, -ik, -nee-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chromonema¹

1920–25; chromo- + Greek nêma thread

Word History and Origins

Origin of chromonema¹

C20: from chromo- + Greek nēma thread, yarn

Example Sentences

Molecular models suggest that chromosomes assemble in an ordered, hierarchical way: DNA wraps around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which fold into 30-nanometre fibres, then 120-nanometre ‘chromonema’, and further into larger chromatin structures until they reach their most tightly coiled form — the characteristic X-shaped bodies.

From Nature