Euchromosome

/juːˈkroʊməsoʊm/ noun

Definition

A chromosome that is genetically active and functionally complete, as opposed to a degenerate or non-functional chromosome.

Etymology

From Greek 'eu-' (well, good) + 'chroma' (color) + 'soma' (body). The term emphasizes chromosomes that are properly formed and gene-containing.

Kelly Says

The idea of 'euchromosomes' helped scientists understand Y chromosomes—they're shrinking over millions of years, losing genes, potentially becoming less euchromosomal than X!

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