ACROCENTRIC Meaning and
Definition
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Acrocentric is an adjective used to describe the structure or characteristics of a chromosome. It refers to a specific type of chromosome that has a centromere located near one end, resulting in one very long arm (termed q arm) and one very short arm (termed p arm).
This term is commonly utilized in genetics and cytogenetics to classify chromosomes based on their centromere position. In acrocentric chromosomes, the centromere is found close to the end, creating an asymmetrical appearance. These chromosomes typically include certain regions known as secondary constrictions, which are crucial in the formation of nucleoli, sites where ribosomal RNA synthesis occurs.
In humans, acrocentric chromosomes include chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22. Since their short arms, or p arms, are quite tiny, they can sometimes be difficult to observe under a microscope. Acrocentric chromosomes are vital in maintaining genetic stability and preserving cellular functions like protein synthesis.
Moreover, acrocentric chromosomes play a significant role in genetic disorders. For instance, individuals with certain conditions, such as Down syndrome, have an extra copy of chromosome 21, an acrocentric chromosome. This highlights the importance of understanding the structure and function of acrocentric chromosomes in the context of human health and genetics.
Overall, acrocentric refers to a specific type of chromosome with a centromere positioned near one end, resulting in distinct arms of varying lengths, and plays a crucial role in genetic processes and disorders.
Common Misspellings for ACROCENTRIC
- zcrocentric
- scrocentric
- wcrocentric
- qcrocentric
- axrocentric
- avrocentric
- adrocentric
- aceocentric
- acdocentric
- acfocentric
- actocentric
- ac5ocentric
- ac4ocentric
- acricentric
- acrkcentric
- acrlcentric
- acrpcentric
- acr0centric
- acr9centric
Etymology of ACROCENTRIC
The word "acrocentric" is derived from the combination of two components: "acro-" and "-centric".
1. "Acro-" comes from the Greek word "akros", meaning "highest" or "topmost". It is often used in a context related to extremities or highest points.
2. "-Centric" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "kentron", meaning "center". It denotes something that is centered around, focused on, or refers to a particular point or aspect.
Therefore, when combined, "acrocentric" literally means "focused on the highest point" or "centered around the topmost part". In a biological context, the term "acrocentric" specifically refers to chromosomes with a centromere near one end, resulting in a shorter p-arm (short arm) and a longer q-arm (long arm).
Similar spelling words for ACROCENTRIC
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