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chromosome
(Encyclopedia)chromosome krōˈməsōmˌ [key], structural carrier of hereditary characteristics, found in the nucleus of every cell and so named for its readiness to absorb dyes. The term chromosome is usually res...Y Chromosome Adam
(Encyclopedia)Y Chromosome Adam, in genetics, a theoretical male ancestor of all living people; see Eve, in genetics. ...recombination
(Encyclopedia)recombination, process of “shuffling” of genes by which new combinations can be generated. In recombination through sexual reproduction, the offspring's complete set of genes differs from that of ...episome
(Encyclopedia)episome ĕpˈĭsōm [key], unit of genetic material composed of a series of genes that sometimes has an independent existence in a host cell and at other times is integrated into a chromosome of the c...meiosis
(Encyclopedia)CE5 Formation of sperm cells through meiosis meiosis mīŏˈsĭs [key], process of nuclear division in a living cell by which the number of chromosomes is reduced to half the original number. Meio...crossing over
(Encyclopedia)crossing over, process in genetics by which the two chromosomes of a homologous pair exchange equal segments with each other. Crossing over occurs in the first division of meiosis. At that stage each ...Down syndrome
(Encyclopedia)Down syndrome, congenital disorder characterized by mild to severe mental retardation, slow physical development, and characteristic physical features. Down syndrome affects about 1 in every 730 live ...chromatin
(Encyclopedia)chromatin: see chromosome.chromatid
(Encyclopedia)chromatid krōˈmətəd [key]: see chromosome; crossing over. ...sex
(Encyclopedia)sex, term used to refer both to the two groups distinguished as males and females, and to the anatomical and physiological characteristics associated with maleness and femaleness. Sex relates to the t...Browse by Subject
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