One of a pair of identical or similar thread-like structures within a replicated chromosome, each containing a copy of the genetic material.
From Greek 'chroma' (color) + 'nema' (thread) + '-ate' (relating to). This cytological term describes the paired threads visible during chromosomal replication.
When your cells copy their DNA before dividing, each chromosome becomes two identical chronomates stuck together at one point—that's why you see an X-shape when looking at chromosomes under a microscope.
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