Centromere is required for:[2005]a)movement of chromosomes towards pol...
During anaphase APC (anaphase promoting complex) develops. It degenerates proteins binding the two chromatids in the region of centromere.
As a result the centromere of each chromosome divides. This converts the two chromatids into daughter chromosomes.
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Centromere is required for:[2005]a)movement of chromosomes towards pol...
**A) Movement of Chromosomes towards Poles**
The centromere is a specialized region of a chromosome that plays a crucial role in the movement of chromosomes during cell division. It is responsible for the proper alignment and segregation of chromosomes during both mitosis and meiosis.
**Role of Centromere in Mitosis:**
During mitosis, the centromere serves as an attachment site for the spindle fibers, which are responsible for moving the chromosomes towards the poles of the cell. The spindle fibers are composed of microtubules that extend from the centrosomes located at opposite ends of the cell.
**1. Attachment of Spindle Fibers:**
The centromere contains a protein complex called the kinetochore, which serves as the attachment site for the spindle fibers. The kinetochore proteins interact with the microtubules of the spindle fibers, forming a connection that allows the chromosomes to be pulled towards the poles.
**2. Chromosome Movement:**
As the spindle fibers contract, they exert a pulling force on the chromosomes through the kinetochore. This force causes the chromosomes to move towards the poles of the cell. The movement of the chromosomes is essential for the proper distribution of genetic material to the daughter cells.
**Role of Centromere in Meiosis:**
In meiosis, the centromere functions similarly to mitosis but with some additional complexities due to the occurrence of crossing over between homologous chromosomes.
**1. Homologous Chromosome Pairing:**
During meiosis, the centromeres of homologous chromosomes come into close proximity, allowing for the exchange of genetic material through a process called crossing over. This genetic recombination increases genetic diversity.
**2. Segregation of Homologous Chromosomes:**
The centromeres also play a critical role in the separation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres and pull the homologous chromosomes towards opposite poles of the cell, ensuring that each daughter cell receives one copy of each homologous chromosome.
In summary, the centromere is required for the movement of chromosomes towards the poles during both mitosis and meiosis. It serves as an attachment site for the spindle fibers, allowing for the proper alignment and segregation of chromosomes during cell division.