Final answer:
The combining form 'chromo-' is associated with color, and 'xanthochromic' refers to a yellowish discoloration. Chromosomes are crucial structures in cells for heredity and cell division, with a typical human cell having 46 chromosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combining form chromo- refers to color or pigment within biological contexts. Xanthochromic signifies a yellowish coloration, and in medical terms, it is often used to describe the appearance of cerebrospinal fluid that contains an abnormal level of bilirubin or protein, usually as a result of a hemorrhage or increased protein synthesis.
In biology, related terms include chromogen, which is a substance that can be converted into a dye, chromogenic substrate, used in biochemical tests to reveal the presence of specific enzymes, and chromophores, which are part of a molecule responsible for its color. Another important concept is the Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance, which relates to how chromosomes carry genes that determine hereditary traits.
Understanding the role of chromosomes is vital in genetics and cell biology. They are structures within cells that contain DNA and proteins, known as chromatin, and are especially prominent during cell division, which is critical for mitosis. A normal human cell contains 46 chromosomes, with some exceptions such as gametes, which contain 23.