Question

What is the characteristic feature of a metacentric chromosome?

• A. Metacentric chromosome has centromere in the middle and its two arms (chromatids) are almost equal in length.
• B. Metacentric chromosome has centromere in the side and its two arms (chromatids) are not equal in length.
• C. Metacentric chromosome has centromere in the end and its two arms (chromatids) are almost equal in length.
• D. None of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Metacentric chromosome has centromere in the middle and its two arms (chromatids) are almost equal in length.

Based on the position of centromere, chromosomes are called as

Metacentric: Having median centromere with two equal arms of the chromosomes.

Sub-metacentric: Having sub-terminal centromere with one shorter arm and one longer arm.

Acrocentric: Having centromere close to its end forming one extremely short and one very long arm.

Telocentric: With terminal centromere.