Chromosome

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-004977",
  "term": "Chromosome",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. The self-replicating genetic structure of cells containing the cellular DNA that bears in its nucleotide sequence the linear array of genes. In prokaryotes, chromosomal DNA is circular, and the entire genome is carried on one chromosome. Eukaryotic genomes consist of a number of chromosomes whose DNA is associated with different kinds of proteins.\n\n2. A chromosome is an organized package of DNA found in the nucleus of the cell. Different organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes--22 pairs of numbered chromosomes, called autosomes, and one pair of sex chromosomes, X and Y. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair so that offspring get half of their chromosomes from their mother and half from their father.\n\n3. A structure consisting of DNA and regulatory proteins found in the nucleus of the cell. The DNA in the nucleus is usually divided up among several chromosomes.The number of chromosomes in the nucleus varies depending on the species of the organism. Humans have 46 chromosomes.",
  "references": [
    "DOE Human Genome Project Information, Genome Glossary",
    "NIH Genetics Home Reference Glossary",
    "NIH Stem Cell Information Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/chromosome/"
}