![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508184827im_/http://genome.gov/Images/spacer2.gif) |
Home Educational Resources Talking Glossary
<< Back to the glossary
![Pronounciation of
chromosome](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508184827im_/http://genome.gov/Images/Glossary/Pronounciation/chromosome.gif)
defined: |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508184827im_/http://genome.gov/Images/spacer2.gif) |
One of the threadlike "packages" of genes and other DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in all: 44 autosomes and two sex chromosomes. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, so children get half of their chromosomes from their mothers and half from their fathers.
|
explained: |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508184827im_/http://genome.gov/Images/spacer2.gif) |
Listen to a detailed explanation. (Requires the free RealPlayer download)
Dr. Eric Green, of the National Human Genome Research Institute's Genome Technology Branch, defines chromosome.
|
illustrated: |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508184827im_/http://genome.gov/Images/spacer2.gif) |
View illustration
|
related terms: |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508184827im_/http://genome.gov/Images/spacer2.gif) |
autosome,
birth defect,
cell,
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),
gene,
nucleus,
protein,
sex chromosome |
[ Send this term to a friend ]
[ Suggest a term for the glossary ]
|
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508184827im_/http://genome.gov/Images/spacer2.gif) |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508184827im_/http://genome.gov/Images/spacer2.gif)
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508184827im_/http://genome.gov/Images/spacer2.gif) |