Which chromosome may lost during cell division? A) giant chromosomes b...
The chromosomes that might get lost during cell division are the acentric chromosomes.
As there is no centromere in this type of chromosomes, they may not have a proper organization and so during the metaphase stage they won't get attached to the spindle fibre as they lack the primary constriction i.e. centromere and kinetochore.
Which chromosome may lost during cell division? A) giant chromosomes b...
Chromosomes Lost During Cell Division
During cell division, chromosomes play a crucial role in ensuring the accurate distribution of genetic material to daughter cells. However, in certain situations, chromosomes can be lost during the process, leading to chromosomal abnormalities and potential genetic disorders. One such case involves the loss of acentric chromosomes.
Acentric Chromosomes
- Acentric chromosomes are formed due to structural rearrangements or genetic mutations that result in the loss of a centromere, the specialized region of a chromosome that plays a vital role in chromosome segregation during cell division.
- In a normal cell division process, each chromosome duplicates and forms sister chromatids, held together at the centromere. These sister chromatids are then separated and distributed to daughter cells during mitosis or meiosis.
- However, acentric chromosomes lack a centromere, making them unable to properly attach to the spindle fibers during cell division. As a result, they are not segregated correctly and may be lost during the process.
Loss of Acentric Chromosomes
- Acentric chromosomes are often unstable and prone to breakage due to their inability to properly align and segregate during cell division.
- When acentric chromosomes break, the resulting fragments can be lost or undergo further rearrangements, leading to genetic instability and potential cell death.
- The loss of acentric chromosomes can have significant consequences for the cell, as it may disrupt the balance of genetic material and result in aneuploidy, a condition where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes.
- Aneuploidy can lead to developmental abnormalities, genetic disorders, and even cancer.
Conclusion
In summary, acentric chromosomes are the chromosomes that lack a centromere and are unable to properly segregate during cell division. Due to their instability, acentric chromosomes may break and be lost, leading to genetic instability and potential health issues. Understanding the mechanisms behind chromosome loss during cell division is crucial for studying genetic disorders and developing potential therapeutic interventions.
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