chromosome

English

An illustration of chromosome, with its parts. (1) Chromatid. One of the two identical parts of the chromosome after S phase. (2) Centromere. The point where the two chromatids touch, and where the microtubules attach. (3) Short arm (4) Long arm.

Etymology

19th century: from German Chromosom, ultimately from Ancient Greek χρῶμα (khrôma, colour) + σῶμα (sôma, body) (because they are stained under the microscope).

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈkɹəʊ.məˌsəʊm/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈkɹoʊməˌsoʊm/, /ˈkɹoʊməˌzoʊm/
  • (file)
  • (file)

Noun

chromosome (plural chromosomes)

  1. (cytology, genetics) A linear arrangement of condensed DNA and associated proteins (such as chaperone proteins) which contains the genetic material (genome) of an organism.
    Chromosomes store genetic information.

Derived terms

Translations

Further reading


French

Etymology

19th century: chromo- + -some, from German Chromosom, ultimately from Ancient Greek χρῶμα (khrôma, colour) + σῶμα (sôma, body) (because they are stained under the microscope).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /kʁɔ.mo.zom/
  • (file)
  • Homophone: chromosomes
  • Hyphenation: chro‧mo‧some

Noun

chromosome m (plural chromosomes)

  1. (biology, cytology) chromosome

Hyponyms

Meronyms

Holonyms

Derived terms

Further reading

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