Chromosome Classification by Centromere — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2025Every chromosome (visible only in dividing cells) essentially has a primary constriction or the centromere on the sides of which disc shaped structures called kinetochores are present. Centromere holds two chromatids of a chromosome. Based on the position of the centromere, the chromosomes can be classified into four types. The metacentric chromosome has middle centromere forming two equal arms of the chromosome. The sub-metacentric chromosome has centromere slightly away from the middle of the chromosome resulting into one shorter arm and one longer arm. In case of acrocentric chromosome the centromere is situated close to its end forming one extremely short and one very long arm, whereas the telocentric chromosome has a terminal centromere.
NTA tests students' ability to identify chromosome types based on centromere position and resulting arm lengths. The core concept: metacentric (middle, equal arms), sub-metacentric (off-center, unequal arms), acrocentric (near end, very short + very long arms), and telocentric (terminal). Common mistakes include confusing metacentric with sub-metacentric, or mixing up acrocentric arm ratios. Key to remember: the centromere position determines arm length inequality—the further from middle, the greater the difference. Practice matching chromosome diagrams to their correct classification type, as NEET frequently shows unlabeled chromosome images requiring identification.
This paragraph was tested 3 times in NEET.
Match List-I with List-II. List-I A. Centromere B. Cilium C. Cristae D. Cell membrane List-II I. Mitochondrion II. Cell division III. Cell movement IV. Phospholipid bilayer (NEET 2025)
Match List I with List II: List I A. Metacentric chromosome B. Sub-metacentric chromosome C. Acrocentric chromosome D. Telocentric chromosome List II I. Chromosome has a terminal centromere II. Middle centromere forming two equal arms of chromosome III. Centromere is slightly away from the middle resulting in one shorter arm and one very long arm IV. Centromere is situated close to its end forming one very short and one very long arm NEET 2024
When the centromere is situated in the middle of two equal arms of chromosomes, the chromosome is referred as: NEET 2021
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