B chromosome

noun

variants also B-chromosome
: a small, usually heterochromatic chromosome present in addition to the normal complement of chromosomes in some members of a species

Note: B chromosomes do not contain any structural genes and have a highly variable pattern of inheritance separate from that of the normal chromosomal complement. They are most often found in plants and invertebrates.

Dictionary Entries Near B chromosome

Cite this Entry

“B chromosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/B%20chromosome. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!