chromosomes

The small bodies in the nucleus of a cell that carry the chemical “instructions” for reproduction of the cell. They consist of strands of DNA wrapped in a double helix around a core of proteins . Each species of plant or animal has a characteristic number of chromosomes. For human beings, for example, it is forty-six.

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Notes

In humans, sex is determined by two chromosomes: an X-chromosome, which is female, and a Y-chromosome, which is male. ( See sex chromosomes .)

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

There are believed to be two ways in which sex chromosomes can cause sex-specific differences, also called sexual dimorphism, in cells.

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Women have two X chromosomes, while males have X and Y, meaning the appearance of the gene can be more catastrophic in male pregnancies.

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In one 2024 study published in Communications Biology, Mason found that astronauts who spent time in space had longer telomeres, or structures at the end of chromosomes which protect DNA.

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Years after the discovery of her uterus, Annalise learned she was born with a mix of both XX and XY chromosomes.

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Dr Upton told the tribunal that Ms Peggie had also "asked me what my chromosomes were" and that other staff members were also uncomfortable with the doctor using the female changing room.

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chromosome number chromosphere

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