Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Linear chromosomes are long strands of DNA that exist within eukaryotic cell nuclei. Each chromosome carries genetic information encoded in its DNA sequence.
Related terms
Gene: A segment of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a specific trait.
Telomere: The protective cap at the end of each linear chromosome that prevents degradation during replication.
Centromere: The region of a chromosome where two sister chromatids are joined together and where spindle fibers attach during cell division.