Chromosomes – Living Oceans Foundation

[kroh-muh-sohms]
(Singular: chromosome) Long strands of molecules called DNA.

Glossary: Diploid
A cell that contains two copies of chromosomes, one from each parent.
Glossary: Haploid
A cell that contains one copy of unpaired chromosomes (half the number of the parent cell).
Glossary: Meiosis
A type of cell division where one parent cell divides into four daughter cells with half (haploid) of the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Glossary: Mitosis
A type of cell division when one parent cell divides to create two identical daughter cells. Each have their own nucleus and identical chromosomes.
Glossary: Spindle
The structure that separates chromosomes during cell division. It contains the spindle fibers and centrosomes.