Question

A chromosome with centromere near the middle is called

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

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Submetacentric

1) Metacentric chromosomes have the centromere in the center, such that both sections are of equal length. Human chromosome 1 and 3 are metacentric.

2) Submetacentric chromosomes have the centromere slightly offset from the center leading to a slight asymmetry in the length of the two sections. Human chromosomes 4 through 12 are submetacentric.

3) Acrocentric chromosomes have a centromere which is severely offset from the center leading to one very long and one very short section. Human chromosomes 13,15, 21, and 22 are acrocentric.

4)Telocentric chromosomes have the centromere at the very end of the chromosome. Humans do not possess telocentric chromosomes but they are found in other species such as mice.

So, the correct answer is 'Submetacentric'.