Definition of chromosome in English:
chromosome
noun ˈkrəʊməsəʊmˈkroʊməˌsoʊm
Biology A threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
〔生〕染色体
Example sentencesExamples
- Ring chromosomes, chromatid exchanges and polyploidies were also observed at some treatments.
- So a genetic map is an abstract entity that tells you the relative positions of genes on chromosomes.
- Our genes are located on 46 paired structures, or chromosomes, in the cell nucleus.
- The sex chromosomes are placed to the right of the smallest autosomal chromosomes.
- The sizes of the two centromeres from the homologous chromosomes are different.
Each chromosome consists of a DNA double helix bearing a linear sequence of genes, coiled and recoiled around aggregated proteins (histones). Their number varies from species to species: humans have 22 pairs plus the two sex chromosomes (two X chromosomes in females, one X and one Y in males). During cell division each DNA strand is duplicated, and the chromosomes condense to become visible as distinct pairs of chromatids joined at the centromere
Origin
Late 19th century: coined in German from Greek khrōma 'colour' + sōma 'body'.
Definition of chromosome in US English:
chromosome
nounˈkroʊməˌsoʊmˈkrōməˌsōm
Biology A threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
〔生〕染色体
Each chromosome consists of a DNA double helix bearing a linear sequence of genes, coiled and recoiled around aggregated proteins (histones). Their number varies from species to species: humans have 22 pairs plus the two sex chromosomes (two X chromosomes in females, one X and one Y in males). During cell division, each DNA strand is duplicated, and the chromosomes condense to become visible as distinct pairs of chromatids joined at the centromere. Bacteria and viruses lack a nucleus and have a single chromosome without histones
Example sentencesExamples
- The sizes of the two centromeres from the homologous chromosomes are different.
- Ring chromosomes, chromatid exchanges and polyploidies were also observed at some treatments.
- The sex chromosomes are placed to the right of the smallest autosomal chromosomes.
- Our genes are located on 46 paired structures, or chromosomes, in the cell nucleus.
- So a genetic map is an abstract entity that tells you the relative positions of genes on chromosomes.
Origin
Late 19th century: coined in German from Greek khrōma ‘color’ + sōma ‘body’.