chromosome
UK: ˈkrəʊməsəʊm | US: ˈkroʊməsoʊm
n. a thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
chromo<color> + some<body>
- chromo: From Greek chrôma (χρῶμα), meaning "color." Chromosomes were originally named for their ability to be stained by dyes during microscopic observation.
- some: From Greek sôma (σῶμα), meaning "body." Refers to the physical structure of the chromosome.
Etymology Origin:
The term chromosome was coined in 1888 by German anatomist Heinrich Wilhelm Gottfried von Waldeyer-Hartz. Scientists observed that these cellular structures absorbed colored dyes intensely, hence the chromo- (color) prefix. The -some (body) suffix denotes their tangible, thread-like form. The name reflects early microscopy techniques, where staining revealed their role in heredity.
Each human cell typically contains 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Abnormalities in chromosome structure can lead to genetic disorders.
The X and Y chromosomes determine biological sex in mammals.
Scientists mapped the entire set of human chromosomes in the Human Genome Project.
During cell division, chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope.