Chromosome

Definition

A chromosome is a long, continuous thread of DNA that contains numerous genes and regulatory information. Each human cell typically contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, housing almost all the body's genetic material.

Related terms

Gene:

A segment of DNA that contains coding information for protein synthesis and is the basic unit of heredity.

DNA Replication: The process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before it divides, ensuring that each new cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.

Nucleus: The membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that houses chromosomes and serves as the control center for the cell