14. What is centromere? How does the position of centromere form the basis of classification of chromosomes? Support your answer with a diagram showing the position of the centromere on different types of chromosomes.
14. What is centromere? How does the position of centromere form the basis of classification of chromosomes? Support your answer with a diagram showing the position of the centromere on different types of chromosomes.

Solution:

Primary constriction present in a chromosome is called the centromere.

Centromere holds two chromatids of a chromosome.

Based on the position of the centromere, the chromosomes can be classified into four types:

  • Metacentric has middle centromere forming two equal arms of the chromosomes.
  • Submetacentric chromosomes feature centromeres that are somewhat offset from the chromosome centre, resulting in one shorter and one longer arm.
  • Acrocentric chromosomes have a centromere near the end, resulting in one extremely short and one extremely long arm.
  • The telocentric chromosome has a terminal centromere.