NCIt definition : A structure found in cells that is comprised of a strand of linearized double-stranded
DNA plus proteins that package the DNA in a condensed coil form and regulate chromosomal
function.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: Part of a cell that contains genetic information. Except for sperm and
eggs, all human cells contain 46 chromosomes.; BRIDG 5.3: A structural unit composed of a nucleic acid molecule which controls its
own replication through the interaction of specific proteins at one or more origins
of replication. [Sequence Ontology: SO:0000340 (SOWiki) http://www.sequenceontology.org/browser/current_svn/term/SO:0000340]
EXAMPLE(S): Most humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes--22 pairs of numbered chromosomes,
called autosomes, and one pair of sex chromosomes, X and Y. OTHER NAME(S): NOTE(S):
This class can represent eukaryotic (e.g. human), mitochondrial, bacterial, and viral
chromosomes, for example.;