Kids

What Are Chromosomes?

Chromosomes

Say: KRO-muh-soamz

Your body is made up of billions of cells, which are too small to see without a strong microscope. Inside most of those cells are chromosomes, which are thread-like strands that contain hundreds, or even thousands, of genes. Genes determine physical traits, such as the color of your eyes. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes — half from their mother and the other half from their father. Even after you're born, your 46 chromosomes continue to guide the way your body grows and develops.

Inside the cell is the chromosome, which unravels and shows the DNA. DNA is 2 strands connected with nucleotides. A gene is segment of DNA.