centromere

[ sen-truh-meer ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a specialized structure on the chromosome, appearing during cell division as the constricted central region where the two chromatids are held together and form an X shape.

centromere

/ ˌsɛntrəˈmɛrɪk; ˈsɛntrəˌmɪə; -ˈmɪərɪk /

noun

1. the dense nonstaining region of a chromosome that attaches it to the spindle during mitosis

centromere

/ sĕn′trə-mîr′ /

1. The region of the chromosome to which the spindle fiber is attached during cell division (both mitosis and meiosis). The centromere is the constricted point at which the two chromatids forming the chromosome are joined together.
2. See more at meiosis

Derived Forms

• centromeric, adjective

Other Words From

• cen·tro·mer·ic [sen-tr, uh, -, mer, -ik, -, meer, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of centromere¹

First recorded in 1920–25; centro- + -mere

Example Sentences

The resulting identical pairs of chromosomes, the sister chromatids, are held together by a structure called the centromere.

From Science Daily

Carlos Sacristan Lopez, the first author of this study, explains: 'If the attachment of the centromere to the spindle microtubules does not occur properly it leads to chromosome segregation mistakes which are frequently observed in cancer.'

From Science Daily

Understanding the structure of the centromere can contribute to more insights into the function of the centromere and its role in erroneous chromosomal segregation.

From Science Daily

To investigate the centromere structure, the researchers used a combination of imaging and sequencing techniques.

From Science Daily

This collaboration led to a surprising new discovery in the centromere structure.

From Science Daily