Question

A chromosome, in which the centromere is situated close to its end so that one arm is very short and the other very long is:

• A. Acrocentric
• B. Metacentric
• C. Submetacentric
• D. Telocentric

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Acrocentric

Every chromosome has a primary constriction of the centromere on the sides of which disc-shaped structures called kinetochores are present.

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

The metacentric chromosome has a middle centromere forming two equal arms of the chromosome.

The sub-metacentric chromosome has centromere slightly away from the middle of the chromosome resulting into one shorter arm and one longer arm.

In the case of acrocentric chromosome the centromere is situated close to its end forming one extremely short and one very long arm.

Telocentric chromosome has a terminal centromere.

So, the correct option is 'Acrocentric'.