chromosome

Derived from the Greek words 'chroma' meaning 'color' and 'soma' meaning 'body', referring to the colored bodies observed under a microscope.

NOUN (1)
[/ˈkroʊməˌsoʊm/en-US]
染色体 literalscientific / 遺伝子構造 technical / 色体 informal / 概念の文章 untranslatable (There is no direct equivalent that captures all nuances of 'chromosome' in Japanese outside of the scientific context.)
Synonyms chromatid , genetic structure technical

A thread-like structure of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes. The name is derived from Greek words meaning 'color' and 'body', referring to their ability to be stained by dyes and observed under a microscope.

plural
chromosomes
  • Each human cell typically contains 23 pairs of chromosomes. — This highlights the standard number of chromosomes in human cells.
  • The chromosome plays a crucial role in heredity and cell division. — This emphasizes its fundamental biological functions.
  • Scientists are mapping the chromosomes of various organisms to understand genetic diseases. — This illustrates a common application in biological research.
field: biology register: formal