Q.Give a brief account of the types of chromosomes based on the position of Centromere.
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Based on centromere position: metacentric (middle, V), submetacentric (near-middle, L), acrocentric (near end, J) and telocentric (terminal, rod/i-shaped).
A chromosome has a constriction called the centromere (primary constriction) that divides it into two arms. The relative position of the centromere decides the shape of the chromosome — a concept in the NCERT/CBSE-aligned TS Intermediate cell-division unit. Four types are recognised:
1. Metacentric — centromere lies exactly in the middle, so the two arms are equal. During anaphase the chromosome appears V-shaped.
2. Submetacentric — centromere lies slightly away from the middle, so one arm is a little longer than the other (unequal arms); appears L-shaped.
3. Acrocentric — centromere lies near one end, giving one very long arm and one very short arm; appears J-shaped.
4. Telocentric — centromere lies at the very tip (terminal end) of the chromosome, so there is practically only one arm; the chromosome is rod-shaped (i-shaped). (Telocentric chromosomes are not normally found in humans but occur in some other organisms.)
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