chromosome
/ˈkɹəʊ.məˌsəʊm/
KɹƏƱ · məsəʊm (2 syllables)
English
Noun Top 27,419
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Definition
A linear arrangement of condensed DNA and associated proteins (such as chaperone proteins) which contains the genetic material (genome) of an organism.
Etymology
19th century: from German Chromosom, ultimately from Ancient Greek χρῶμα (khrôma, “colour”) + σῶμα (sôma, “body”) (because they are stained under the microscope). Equivalent to chromo- + -some.
Example Sentences
- "Chromosomes store genetic information."
- "A length of DNA is divided into segments called chromosomes and shorter individual units called genes."
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