acrocentric

9.9

A chromosome with its centromere near one end, giving one very short arm and one very long arm

adjective
/ˌækrəˈsɛntrɪk/

Specialized

: acrocentrico

An acrocentric chromosome has a centromere that is positioned near one end.

Examples

An acrocentric chromosome has its centromere located near one end, creating a long q arm and a short p arm.
Human chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22 are classified as acrocentric.
The researchers observed that the cell had several acrocentric chromosomes under the microscope.
The acrocentric chromosomes are essential for genetic studies.
In human genetics, some chromosomes are acrocentric.
Scientists identified several acrocentric chromosomes in the genetic sample from the patient.
Chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22 in humans are examples of acrocentric chromosomes.

Compounds

acrocentric chromosome

Specialized

9.2

A chromosome with its centromere near one end, giving one very short arm and one long arm

How Off-center

telocentric

Specialized

9.9

acrocentric

Specialized

9.9

metacentric chromosome

Specialized

8.9

Surface Forms

acrocentric positive

Morphology

acrocentric = centric (semi-transparent) = acro + centric + acro

The prefix 'acro-' indicates 'top' or 'end', and 'centric' relates to 'center', but the specific chromosomal meaning is specialized.

Etymology

The word acrocentric comes from Greek parts acro- meaning 'tip' or 'top', the same acro- in acrobat, and -centric meaning 'center'. So an acrocentric chromosome has its center, called the centromere, placed near the tip, which makes one arm very short and the other very long.