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Chromosome - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Chromosome : (noun)
1: a threadlike body in the cell nucleus that carries the genes
in a linear order
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Chromosome : \Chro"mo*some`\, n. [Gr. ? color _ ? the body.]
(Biol.)
One of the minute bodies into which the chromatin of the
nucleus is resolved during mitotic cell division; the idant
of Weismann.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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Chromosome : Chromosome: A visible carrier of the genetic information.
The 3 billion bp (base pairs) in the human genome are organized into 24 distinct, physically separate microscopic units called chromosomes. All genes are arranged linearly along the chromosomes. The
nucleus of most human cells contains two sets of chromosomes, one set given by each parent. Each set has 23 single chromosomes--22 autosomes and an X or Y sex chromosome. (A normal female will have a
pair of X chromosomes; a male will have an X and Y pair.) Chromosomes contain roughly equal parts of protein and DNA; chromosomal DNA contains an average of 150 million bases. DNA molecules are among
the largest molecules now known.
Chromosomes can be seen under a light microscope and, when stained with certain dyes, reveal a pattern of light and dark bands reflecting regional variations in the amounts of A and T vs G and C.
Differences in size and banding pattern allow the 24 chromosomes to be distinguished from each other, an analysis called a karyotype. A few types of major chromosomal abnormalities, including missing
or extra copies or gross breaks and rejoinings (translocations), can be detected by microscopic examination; Down's syndrome, in which an individual's cells contain a third copy of chromosome 21, is
diagnosed by karyotype analysis.
Most changes in DNA, however, are too subtle to be detected by this technique and require molecular analysis. These subtle DNA abnormalities (mutations) are responsible for many inherited diseases
such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia or may predispose an individual to cancer, major psychiatric illnesses, and other complex diseases.
The foregoing definition and discussion pertain to the chromosomes in the nucleus of the cell. The chromosome of the mitochondrion, which is in the cytoplasm of the cell, is a somewhat different
story.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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Example Usage of Chromosome |
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cha_scitech: How long does it take a human Chromosome to be replicated http://chacha.com/q/n65j09m |
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SpotInTheSand: @shaelove @Bliltxgirl OK, I am lost. So y'all go ahead, and let me know when you'd like to clue the Y-Chromosome in. |
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midnitemovieguy: Had quite a time choosing between the awkward goodbye handshake or the awkward goodbye wave. I don't deserve a Y Chromosome. #fml |
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