What is the Difference Between Centromere and Kinetochore?

The centromere and kinetochore are both crucial components of chromosomes that play a role in cell division. They have distinct functions and structures:

• Centromere: The centromere is a constricted region found on a chromosome with highly specialized, repetitive DNA sequences. It serves as the primary region for condensed chromosomes and holds two sister chromatids together. The centromere is made up of centric heterochromatin.
• Kinetochore: The kinetochore is a disc-shaped protein complex located in the centromere. It provides sites for the attachment of microtubules during cell division. Kinetochores are constructed from certain histone subtypes.

The main differences between the centromere and kinetochore are:

1. The centromere is the chromosomal region that holds two sister chromatids, while the kinetochore is a protein complex.
2. The centromere is made up of centric heterochromatin, whereas the kinetochore is constructed from specific histone subtypes.
3. Under a light microscope, the centromere is clearly visible, whereas an electron microscope makes the kinetochore visible.

In summary, the centromere is a chromosomal region that holds sister chromatids together, while the kinetochore is a protein complex located in the centromere that serves as a site for microtubule attachment during cell division. Both the centromere and kinetochore ensure the correct division and separation of chromosomes during cell division.

Comparative Table: Centromere vs Kinetochore

Here is a table summarizing the differences between centromere and kinetochore:

Centromere is a region of the chromosome that holds two sister chromatids together, while kinetochore is a protein complex assembled around the centromere of the chromosome, providing sites for the attachment of microtubules during cell division.