What is Chromosome? Definition, Meaning & Example
A rod-shaped structure in the nucleus made of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information.
TL;DR: A rod-shaped structure in the nucleus made of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information.
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
Chromosome: A rod-shaped structure in the nucleus made of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information.
Explanation
Chromosomes are visible during cell division as condensed strands of DNA and histone proteins. Human cells contain 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. Chromosomes carry genes which are units of hereditary information. Different organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. The structure and number of chromosomes are species-specific and important in heredity and evolution.
Example
In humans, chromosome 21 contains over 200 genes, and humans have two copies of each chromosome except sex chromosomes in males.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chromosomes are in a human cell?
A human cell has 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs, with 23 coming from each parent.
What is the role of chromosomes?
Chromosomes carry genes which contain genetic instructions for inherited traits like eye color and height.
More Biology Terms
🤖 Stuck on any of these? Ask Syllab's free AI Tutor to explain step by step →