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Chapter 2: Problem 7

How are chromosomes named on the basis of their centromere placement?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The four types of chromosomes based on centromere location are metacentric, submetacentric, acrocentric, and telocentric chromosomes. Metacentric chromosomes have centromeres near the middle and appear like a "V" during cell division. Submetacentric chromosomes have off-center centromeres and appear like an "L". Acrocentric chromosomes have centromeres closer to one end and appear as a "J" shape. Lastly, telocentric chromosomes have centromeres at the very end and have just one long arm without a short arm.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction to chromosomes and centromeres

Chromosomes are threadlike structures found in the nucleus of cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes. Each chromosome is made up of a long DNA molecule wrapped around proteins called histones. The centromere is a region on the chromosome that influences its shape and function. It is crucial for chromosome separation during cell division. Based on the location of their centromeres, chromosomes are classified into different types.
02

Metacentric chromosomes

Metacentric chromosomes have centromeres located at or near the middle of the chromosome, dividing it into two nearly equal arms. These chromosomes are symmetric and resemble the letter "V" during cell division.
03

Submetacentric chromosomes

Submetacentric chromosomes have centromeres slightly off-center, creating one long arm and one shorter arm. These chromosomes appear like an "L" during cell division.
04

Acrocentric chromosomes

Acrocentric chromosomes have centromeres located closer to one end, making one arm much longer than the other. They often appear as a "J" shape during cell division. The shorter arm of an acrocentric chromosome contains repetitive DNA sequences known as satellites, which are important for chromosome stability.
05

Telocentric chromosomes

Telocentric chromosomes have centromeres located at the very end of the chromosome, causing the chromosome to have just one long arm without a short arm. These chromosomes are rare in humans. In conclusion, chromosomes are named based on the placement of their centromere. This classification is essential for understanding the structure and function of chromosomes as well as their role in the process of cell division.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Discuss the concepts of homologous chromosomes, diploidy, and haploidy. What characteristics do two homologous chromosomes share?

Contrast telophase in plant and animal mitosis.

Contrast spermatogenesis and oogenesis. What is the significance of the formation of polar bodies?

Explain why meiosis leads to significant genetic variation while mitosis does not.

What is the probability that, in an organism with a haploid number of \(10,\) a sperm will be formed that contains all 10 chromosomes whose centromeres were derived from maternal homologs?
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