Chromosomes are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of every cell in our bodies. They contain our genetic information, which determines our traits and characteristics. Each chromosome is made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) tightly coiled around proteins called histones.

Humans typically have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46 chromosomes. These chromosomes come in two types: autosomes and sex chromosomes. Autosomes are responsible for determining our general body characteristics and traits, while sex chromosomes determine our biological sex.

Let's take a closer look at sex chromosomes as an example. In humans, sex chromosomes are labeled as X and Y. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). The presence of the Y chromosome triggers male development, while the absence of the Y chromosome results in female development.

Chromosomes play a crucial role in inheritance. They carry genes, which are segments of DNA that encode specific traits. Genes are located at specific positions on chromosomes, known as gene loci. For example, the gene for eye color is located at a particular locus on a specific chromosome.

References:

1. Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., & Walter, P. (2002). Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. Garland Science.
2. Lodish, H., Berk, A., Zipursky, S. L., Matsudaira, P., Baltimore, D., & Darnell, J. (2000). Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. W. H. Freeman and Company.