polytene chromosome

Definition: a stage of chromosome division that forms the giant chromosome found in the salivary gland of dipterous insects; the great width is the result of repeated divisions of the chromonema without subsequent lengthwise separation of the filaments.

Synonym(s): giant chromosome1

Further information

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© Copyright 2018 Wolters Kluwer. All Rights Reserved. Review date: Sep 19, 2016.

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