chro·mo·some 
(krōmə-sōm′)
(krōmə-sōm′)n.
1. A linear strand of DNA and associated proteins in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells that carries the genes and functions in the transmission of hereditary information.
2. A circular strand of DNA in bacteria and archaea that contains the hereditary information necessary for cell life.
chro′mo·somal (-sōməl), chro′mo·somic (-sōmĭk) adj.
chro′mo·somal·ly adv.
chromosomereplicated Y chromosome (left) and X chromosome (right) during cell division