ACCESSORY CHROMOSOME Meaning and
Definition
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An accessory chromosome, also known as a B chromosome, Supernumerary chromosome, or Extra chromosome, refers to an additional chromosome within an organism's karyotype that is not part of the standard complement of chromosomes. These additional chromosomes are not essential for the survival or basic functioning of the organism and can vary in number and shape.
Accessory chromosomes are often smaller and contain fewer genes compared to the standard chromosomes. They can be present in both plants and animals and their inheritance patterns differ from the rest of the chromosomes in the genome. The formation of accessory chromosomes might occur due to errors during cell division or incorrect recombination events.
Although accessory chromosomes do not play a role in the basic genetic makeup of an organism, they can have both phenotypic and evolutionary consequences. In some cases, these chromosomes may be associated with particular traits or cause variations in pigmentation, fertility, or other physical characteristics. Additionally, accessory chromosomes can influence the expression of other genes and impact the stability of the genome.
The term "accessory" implies that these chromosomes are not necessary for the organism's survival or reproduction, distinguishing them from the essential chromosomes. Their presence and characteristics are variable across populations and can contribute to the genetic diversity and evolution of a species. Accessory chromosomes have intrigued researchers for decades, and further studies are essential to better understand their origin, function, and evolutionary significance.
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Monosome, an unpaired allosome, a chromosome which, in the last stage of spermatogenesis, goes over whole into one of the daughter cells instead of being divided among the two.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACCESSORY CHROMOSOME
- zccessory chromosome
- sccessory chromosome
- wccessory chromosome
- qccessory chromosome
- axcessory chromosome
- avcessory chromosome
- afcessory chromosome
- adcessory chromosome
- acxessory chromosome
- acvessory chromosome
- acfessory chromosome
- acdessory chromosome
- accwssory chromosome
- accsssory chromosome
- accdssory chromosome
- accrssory chromosome
- acc4ssory chromosome
- acc3ssory chromosome
- acceasory chromosome
- accezsory chromosome
Etymology of ACCESSORY CHROMOSOME
The term "accessory chromosome" originates from the field of genetics. It refers to an additional, extra, or supernumerary chromosome that is not a part of the typical set of chromosomes in an organism.
The etymology of the word "accessory" can be traced back to Latin. It comes from the Latin word "accessorius", which means "added" or "contributing to". The term was originally used in a broader sense, referring to something that is supplementary or aiding in nature.
When applied to chromosomes, the term "accessory" implies that the extra chromosome(s) are not part of the typical complement and may have additional, distinct features or functions.
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