| lampbrush chromosome | <cell biology> Large chromosomes (as long as 1mm), actually meiotic bivalents, seen during prophase of the extended meiosis in the oocytes of some Amphibia. Segments of DNA form loops in pairs along the sides of the sister chromosomes, giving them a brush like appearance. These loops are not permanent structures but are formed by the unwinding of chromomeres and represent sites of very active RNA synthesis. (27 Jun 1999) |
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| late replicating chromosome | A chromosome (often anomalous) that is shown, e.g., by incorporation of a labelled nucleotide, to undergo delayed duplication preliminary to mitosis; formerly used as a means of distinguishing members of a group of chromosome's. (05 Mar 2000) |
| fragile x chromosome | X chromosome with a fragile site associated with a frequent form of mental retardation. The fragile X chromosome was first sighted by Herbert A. Lubs in 1969. The fragile X is also called FRAXA (the second A signifies it was the first FRAgile site found on the X chromosome). It is due a trinucleotide repeat (a recurring motif of 3 bases) in the DNA at that spot. (12 Dec 1998) |