染色体

• Reading: せんしょくたい
• Romaji: senshokutai
• Kanji breakdown: 染 (sen) — dye, stain; 色 (shoku) — colour; 体 (tai) — body, substance
• Pronunciation: /seɴ.ɕo.kɯ.tai/

Meaning

Chromosome. A thread-like structure of DNA found in the nucleus of cells.

A noun used in biology and genetics for the structures that carry genetic information. Humans have 23 pairs (46 total). Common in discussions about genetics, heredity, and medical science. Related terms include 染色体異常 (senshokutai ijou, chromosomal abnormality), X染色体 (X senshokutai, X chromosome), and 常染色体 (jousenshokutai, autosome).

Examples

1. ヒトの細胞には四十六本の染色体がある。 Human cells contain 46 chromosomes.
2. 染色体の異常がこの病気の原因であることが分かった。 It was discovered that a chromosomal abnormality is the cause of this disease.
3. 性別はX染色体とY染色体の組み合わせで決まる。 Sex is determined by the combination of X and Y chromosomes.

Usage Guide

Context: biology, genetics, medicine

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 染色 (senshoku, dyeing/staining) + 体 (tai, body). Literally 'stainable body' — named because chromosomes absorb dye and become visible under a microscope. A direct translation of the German 'Chromosom.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal