Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a subterminal centromere: In genetics, describes a chromosome whose centromere is located very near one end, resulting in one very short arm and one very long arm.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The karyotype revealed several acrocentric chromosomes.
  • In humans, chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22 are acrocentric.

Advanced Usage

• Acrocentric Chromosome: A specific type of chromosome characterized by its centromere placement. These chromosomes often have satellite DNA on their short arms, which is involved in forming the nucleolus.
  • The nucleolus organizer regions are located on the short arms of acrocentric chromosomes.

Variants and Related Words

• Acrocentricity (n): The state or condition of being acrocentric.
  • The acrocentricity of these chromosomes is a key feature for identification.

Synonyms

• Submetacentric (adj): Having a centromere located between the middle and the end of the chromosome. (Note: This is similar but not identical; submetacentric chromosomes have more balanced arm lengths than acrocentric ones.)

Antonyms

• Metacentric (adj): Having a centromere in the middle, resulting in arms of approximately equal length.
• Telocentric (adj): Having a terminal centromere, effectively having only one arm. (Note: True telocentric chromosomes are not typically observed in humans.)

Adjective

1. having a subterminal centromere
   • an acrocentric chromosome