A self-replicating structure consisting of @[email protected] complexed with various @[email protected] and involved in the storage and @[email protected] of genetic information; the physical structure that contains @[email protected] (cf. @[email protected]). Eukaryotic cells have a characteristic number of chromosomes per cell (cf. @[email protected]) and contain DNA as linear duplexes. The chromosomes of bacteria consist of double-standed, circular DNA molecules.