56chromosome
56chromosome is a term used in speculative discussions of synthetic genomics to denote a hypothetical artificial genome architecture in which a single genome comprises 56 chromosome-like units. The concept is used to explore how modular chromosome design might influence gene regulation, inheritance, and genome stability, as well as the challenges of assembling and maintaining large, multi-unit genomes.
In proposed designs, each unit would carry a defined set of genes and regulatory elements, along with
Status and research context: 56chromosome has not been realized in living cells. Real progress in synthetic
Applications and implications: if such a system could be realized, it might enable modular construction of
See also: artificial chromosome, synthetic chromosome, yeast artificial chromosome, minimal genome.