Thread-like structures in cell nuclei that carry genetic information in the form of DNA.
From Greek 'chroma' (color) and 'soma' (body), coined in 1888 because these structures readily absorbed colored dyes under microscopy. The name reflects their discoverer's observation method.
Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, but some plants have hundreds - the plant Paris japonica has over 300 pairs! Chromosome structure is so consistent across species that scientists can often identify relationships between organisms by comparing chromosome patterns.
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