polytene
/ˈpɑlɪtin/
adjective
- Describing a type of chromosome that is very large and has many strands of DNA, found in some insect cells.
- Polytene chromosomes appear as thick bands when stained and viewed in the lab.
- Polytene chromosomes in fruit flies are useful for studying gene activity.
- The scientist examined polytene structures under the microscope to understand cell development.