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| Chromosomes |
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| Chromosomes (chroma = colour, soma = body) are tiny thread-like structures found in the nucleus of a cell. In a non-dividing cell they appear as a chromatin network while during cell division they become condensed to form short and thick chromosomes. Chromosomes are unique cell structures which are capable of replication. They store and transmit the coded information which is responsible for all the life processes of an organism. Hence, chromosomes are commonly described as carriers of heredity. The term “chromosome” was coined by Waldeyer in 1888 since these structures easily take up dye stains. |
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| fig. 19.1 Waldeyer |
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