Meaning & use
centromere
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountablebiology
the central region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined and where spindle fibers attach during cell division
Grammar: Countable: a centromere, two centromeres. Often used with 'the' when referring to a specific chromosome.
Patterns
- the centromere of a chromosome
- centromere position
- spindle fibers attach to the centromere
During mitosis, spindle fibers attach to the centromere to pull the chromatids apart.
The centromere holds the two sister chromatids together until they separate.
Scientists classify chromosomes by the location of the centromere.
Word forms
| plural | centromeres |
|---|
Common combinations
- centromere position
- Centromere position helps geneticists identify different chromosomes.
- centromere region
- The centromere region is rich in repetitive DNA.
- attach to the centromere
- The spindle fibers attach to the centromere during metaphase.
- centromere splitting
- Errors in centromere splitting can lead to abnormal chromosome numbers.
Synonyms and how they differ
- kinetochore
- The kinetochore is the protein structure on the centromere where spindle fibers actually attach; the centromere is the DNA region itself.
Word family
- centromeric adjective
- relating to the centromere, as in 'centromeric DNA'
Commonly confused: centromere or centrosome? centromere or chromatid?
centromere vs centrosome
The centrosome is an organelle that organizes microtubules, while the centromere is a region on a chromosome.
centromere vs chromatid
A chromatid is one of the two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome; the centromere is the point where they join.
Practice
What is the main function of a centromere?
Choose one answer.
The centromere holds sister chromatids together and is where spindle fibers attach during cell division. Storing genes is the job of DNA along the chromosome, energy production happens in mitochondria, and cell movement involves other structures.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “centromere”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.