SOMATIC CHROMOSOME Meaning and
Definition
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A somatic chromosome refers to any chromosome that is found in the non-reproductive cells of an organism, known as somatic cells. Somatic cells are the body cells that make up the various tissues and organs of an organism, excluding the reproductive cells (gametes). Somatic chromosomes contain the genetic material necessary for the normal functioning and development of the organism.
Somatic chromosomes are typically arranged in pairs known as homologous chromosomes. Each member of a homologous pair is inherited from one parent and carries genetic information that determines various traits and characteristics of an organism. In humans, somatic cells contain a total of 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs.
These chromosomes are composed of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecules coiled around proteins called histones. The DNA on somatic chromosomes carries the instructions necessary for the production of proteins that play roles in various cellular functions. By regulating the expression of genes on somatic chromosomes, these proteins contribute to the development and maintenance of the body tissues and organs.
Abnormalities or mutations in somatic chromosomes can lead to various genetic disorders or diseases, including certain types of cancer. Studying somatic chromosomes can help scientists understand the underlying causes of these conditions and develop potential treatments or interventions.
Common Misspellings for SOMATIC CHROMOSOME
- aomatic chromosome
- zomatic chromosome
- xomatic chromosome
- domatic chromosome
- eomatic chromosome
- womatic chromosome
- simatic chromosome
- skmatic chromosome
- slmatic chromosome
- spmatic chromosome
- s0matic chromosome
- s9matic chromosome
- sonatic chromosome
- sokatic chromosome
- sojatic chromosome
- somztic chromosome
- somstic chromosome
- somwtic chromosome
- somqtic chromosome
Etymology of SOMATIC CHROMOSOME
The word "somatic" originates from the Greek word "sōma", which means "body". In biology, the term "somatic" refers to the cells and chromosomes that make up the body excluding the cells involved in reproduction or germ cells.
Similarly, the word "chromosome" comes from the Greek words "chroma", meaning "color", and "sōma", meaning "body". The term was coined by German anatomist Heinrich Wilhelm Gottfried von Waldeyer-Hartz in 1888 to describe the thread-like structures observed in the nucleus of cells that stain differently and appear colored under the microscope.
Therefore, the term "somatic chromosome" essentially refers to the chromosomes found in the body cells that are not related to reproductive functions.
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