CENTROMERE Meaning and
Definition
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A centromere is a crucial structural component found in eukaryotic chromosomes. It is responsible for the attachment and separation of sister chromatids during cell division. Specifically, the centromere acts as a site for the assembly of the kinetochore, a complex protein structure that connects the centromere to microtubules, which are responsible for the movement of chromosomes.
Physically, the centromere is a region where the DNA molecule exhibits a unique structure, consisting of repeated DNA sequences. Its primary function is to ensure that chromosomes are distributed accurately between daughter cells during mitosis and meiosis, guaranteeing the genetic stability of the organism.
Centromeres are typically located in a specific position along the chromosome and can vary in size and structure among different species. They can be classified into different types, such as the point centromere, where the centromere is a distinct region; the regional centromere, where the centromere spans a larger area of the chromosome; and the holocentromere, where the centromere extends along the entire length of the chromosome.
Understanding the structure and function of centromeres is essential for many areas of biological research, including genetics, cell biology, and evolutionary biology. Additionally, centromere abnormalities or mutations can lead to chromosome instability and are associated with various diseases, such as cancer and genetic disorders, making its study crucial for human health and disease research.
Common Misspellings for CENTROMERE
Etymology of CENTROMERE
The word "centromere" is derived from two Latin roots: "centro" and "mere".
The Latin root "centro" means "center" or "middle". It is derived from the Latin word "centrum", which also means "center".
The Latin root "mere" means "part" or "portion". It is derived from the Latin word "merus", which means "pure" or "undiluted".
When combined, the roots "centro" and "mere" form the word "centromere", which refers to the central part or region of a chromosome.
Similar spelling words for CENTROMERE
- centrism,
- centrosomic,
- centerfold,
- centropomus,
- centrepiece,
- centropus,
- center on,
- center out,
- centrospermae,
- centroidal,
- centrolobium,
- center-fire,
- centrex,
- centrefold,
- centred,
- Centre Spread,
- centurion,
- controller,
- center spread,
- centare,
- centrum,
- Centre Bit,
- centrosema,
- centromeric,
- Centrocercus,
- centropomidae,
- centriole,
- centroid,
- centered,
- centrosome.
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