What is a chromosome?
BiologyClass 10CBSEAnswered 28 May 2026
Answer
A chromosome is a thread-like structure of tightly coiled DNA and proteins (histones) inside cell nuclei, carrying genetic information as genes.
- Humans: 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs.
- 22 pairs = autosomes; 1 pair = sex chromosomes (XX female, XY male).
- Each chromosome contains hundreds to thousands of genes.
- Abnormalities cause conditions like Down syndrome (extra chromosome 21).
Chromosomes are DNA-protein structures carrying genes inside cell nuclei, with humans having 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs.
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