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. X chromosome ( def ), Y chromosome ( def ).

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

/ krō′mə-sōm′ /

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.

Derived Forms

• ˌchromoˈsomal, adjective
• ˌchromoˈsomally, adverb

Other Words From

• chro·mo·so·mal [kroh-m, uh, -, soh, -m, uh, l], adjective
• chro·mo·so·mal·ly adverb
• in·ter·chro·mo·so·mal adjective
• in·ter·chro·mo·so·mal·ly adverb
• non·chro·mo·so·mal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chromosome¹

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

Example Sentences

"In fact, scientists used to believe that the Y chromosome lacked genetic variety, which we believed meant that it didn't contribute much to species diversity."

From Science Daily

To fully understand this complex swath of the American electorate, there’s been no shortage of wide-lens examinations into the political leanings of the Y chromosome set.

From Los Angeles Times

Since then they have claimed that male XY chromosomes were found in both cases.

From BBC

After defeat by Lin on Thursday, Turkey's Kahraman made an 'X' gesture to the crowd - said to be intended to represent female chromosomes - but both were smiling after their hug on the medal podium.

From BBC

Two of Lin's opponents, meanwhile, have made 'X' gestures - said to be intended to represent female chromosomes - in the ring after defeat.

From BBC