metacentric chromosome

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Word: Metacentric Chromosome

Definition: A metacentric chromosome is a type of chromosome that has two arms of equal length. This happens because the centromere (the part of the chromosome that links sister chromatids) is located right in the middle, or median position.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: You would typically use the term "metacentric chromosome" when discussing genetics, biology, or during a science class.
• Form: It is a noun, so you can use it as the subject or object in a sentence.

Example:

• "In humans, some chromosomes are metacentric, meaning they have two arms that are the same length."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you might compare metacentric chromosomes with other types of chromosomes, such as submetacentric (where one arm is slightly longer than the other) or acrocentric (where one arm is much longer than the other).

Word Variants:

• Metacentric (adjective): "The metacentric configuration of the chromosome is important for proper cell division."
• Chromosome (noun): "Each chromosome carries genetic information."

Different Meanings:

• The term "metacentric" can also refer to something that is centered in the middle or balanced, but in biology, it specifically relates to the structure of chromosomes.

Synonyms:

There are no direct synonyms for "metacentric chromosome," but you might refer to it in the context of chromosome types: - Chromosome Types: Metacentric, submetacentric, acrocentric, telocentric.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "metacentric chromosome" does not have idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might come across phrases in genetics like "crossing over" (the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes) or "cell division" (the process by which a cell divides into two new cells).

Summary:

A metacentric chromosome is an important concept in genetics, showing how chromosomes can be structured depending on where the centromere is located.

Academic

Noun

1. a chromosome having two equal arms because the centromere is in median position