chromomere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chromomere” mean?
One of the small, bead-like structures visible along a chromosome during certain stages of cell division, representing regions of condensed chromatin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the small, bead-like structures visible along a chromosome during certain stages of cell division, representing regions of condensed chromatin.
In cytogenetics, a chromomere is a densely staining, granular region on a chromosome, often associated with specific genetic loci or areas of high DNA coiling. The pattern of chromomeres can be used to identify chromosomes and study their structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, confined to academic genetics and cytology texts.
Grammar
How to Use “chromomere” in a Sentence
The chromomere is located on [chromosome X].Researchers observed [number] chromomeres.The pattern of chromomeres corresponds to [genetic feature].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chromomere” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chromomeric pattern was highly distinctive.
- Chromomeric organisation varies between species.
American English
- The chromomeric pattern was highly distinctive.
- Chromomeric organization varies between species.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in genetics, cytology, and molecular biology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary context; used to describe chromosome morphology in laboratory settings and scientific discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chromomere”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chromomere”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chromomere”
- Misspelling as 'chromomer' (dropping the final 'e').
- Using it as a synonym for 'gene'.
- Pronouncing the final syllable as /meɪ/ instead of /mɪə/ or /mɪr/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A chromomere is a structural feature—a region of condensed chromatin visible under a microscope. A gene is a functional unit of DNA sequence. While a chromomere may contain one or more genes, they are not synonymous.
Chromomeres are prominently studied in organisms with large or specialised chromosomes, such as the polytene chromosomes found in the salivary glands of insects like Drosophila (fruit flies), where they form detailed and reproducible banding patterns.
No. Chromomeres are sub-microscopic under standard light microscopes during most of the cell cycle. They become distinctly visible under high-resolution light microscopy during specific stages, like meiotic prophase I (e.g., in lampbrush chromosomes) or in giant polytene chromosomes.
The terms can overlap. 'Chromomere' generally refers to the granular, bead-like structures seen on chromosomes during meiosis or in polytene chromosomes. 'Chromosome band' is a broader term that can refer to patterns produced by various staining techniques (G-bands, C-bands) on metaphase chromosomes. In polytene chromosomes, the dark bands are essentially giant chromomeres.
One of the small, bead-like structures visible along a chromosome during certain stages of cell division, representing regions of condensed chromatin.
Chromomere is usually technical/scientific in register.
Chromomere: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrəʊmə(ʊ)mɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkroʊməˌmɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHROMO' (colour, as chromosomes stain) + 'MERE' (part). A coloured part or bead on a chromosome.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHROMOSOME IS A STRING OF BEADS (where each bead is a chromomere).
Practice
Quiz
What is a chromomere?