Question

State the exact location of the following:
Centromere:

[1 Mark]

• A. Always at the centre of chromosomes
• B. At different positions on different types of chromosomes
• C. Always between the centre and the terminal end of chromosomes
• D. Always at the terminal end of chromosomes

Answer 1

The correct option is B At different positions on different types of chromosomes

The position of the centromere on chromosomes is not fixed. Chromosomes are classified into four types based on the position of the centromere. These are metacentric, sub-metacentric, telocentric, and acrocentric. A chromosome having a centromere at the centre is called a metacentric chromosome. In this, the centromere divides the chromosome into two equal arms. A chromosome having centromeres slightly away from the centre is called a sub-metacentric chromosome. A chromosome having centromeres close to one of the ends is called an acrocentric chromosome. A chromosome having a terminal centromere is called a telocentric chromosome.