Definition of centromere in English:
centromere
noun ˈsɛntrə(ʊ)mɪəˈsentrəˌmir
Biology The region of a chromosome to which the microtubules of the spindle attach, via the kinetochore, during cell division.
Example sentencesExamples
- The pertinent variable in this form of meiotic drive is the presence of differing numbers of centromeres on paired homologous chromosomes.
- We observed an accumulation of cDNA loci near the centromere for seven chromosomes.
- We conclude that chromosomes with damaged centromeres fail to correctly attach to the spindle, thus producing MN and monosomy.
- In fact, we did not find any informative marker in the three chromosomal divisions around the centromere of this chromosome.
- The presence of a kinetochore spot indicates the centromere region of each chromosome.
Derivatives
adjective
Biology Strains were transformed with a control centromeric plasmid or a centromeric plasmid carrying the wild-type GUK1 gene.
Example sentencesExamples
- Signals from both subfamilies were mainly located in the centromeric regions of maize metaphase chromosomes.
- In addition, binding of the yeast CBF3 kinetochore complex to centromeric DNA was severely compromised in this mutant.
- In Drosophila, relocation of a euchromatic gene near centromeric or telomeric heterochromatin often leads to its mosaic silencing.
- Each volume projection shows DNA in blue and a probe to the second chromosome centromeric heterochromatin in red.
Origin
Early 20th century (originally denoting a region within the oocyst of a malaria parasite): from Latin centrum (see centre) + Greek meros 'part'. The current sense dates from the 1930s.