What is the Difference Between Metacentric and Telocentric Chromosomes?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Metacentric and telocentric chromosomes are two types of chromosomes based on the position of the centromere, which is the constriction point of a chromosome. The main differences between these two types of chromosomes are:
- Metacentric Chromosomes: These chromosomes have a centromere located in the middle of the chromosome, resulting in arms of comparable length (e.g., chromosomes 1, 3, 16, 19, 20). Metacentric chromosomes have two equal arms.
- Telocentric Chromosomes: These chromosomes have a centromere located at the end of the chromosome, meaning no p arm exists (chromosome not found in humans). Telocentric chromosomes have only one characteristic arm.
In summary, the key difference between metacentric and telocentric chromosomes is the position of the centromere: centromeres are located in the middle of the chromosome in metacentric chromosomes, whereas they are located at the end of the chromosome in telocentric chromosomes.
Comparative Table: Metacentric vs Telocentric Chromosomes
The main difference between metacentric and telocentric chromosomes lies in the position of the centromere. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences:
Feature | Metacentric Chromosomes | Telocentric Chromosomes |
---|---|---|
Centromere Position | Centrally located | Located at one end of the chromosome |
Chromosome Arms | Two arms of equal length (p and q arms) | Chromosome has only one characteristic arm |
Examples | Chromosomes 1, 3, 16, 19, 20 | Telocentric chromosomes are not found in humans |
In metacentric chromosomes, the centromere is located at the center of the chromosome, dividing it into two equal arms, known as the p and q arms. In contrast, telocentric chromosomes have their centromeres located at one end of the chromosome, resulting in one characteristic arm. Telocentric chromosomes are not found in humans.
- Acrocentric vs Telocentric Chromosomes
- Metacentric vs Submetacentric Chromosomes
- Monocentric Dicentric vs Polycentric Chromosomes
- Centromere vs Telomere
- Centromere vs Chromomere
- Centrosome vs Centromere
- Centromere vs Kinetochore
- Chromosome vs Chromatid
- Centriole vs Centromere
- Homologous vs Homeologous Chromosomes
- Chromatin vs Chromosomes
- Centromere vs Centriole
- DNA vs Chromosome
- Chromatin vs Chromatid
- Homologous Chromosomes vs Sister Chromatids
- Autosomes vs Chromosomes
- Paracentric vs Pericentric Inversion
- Gene vs Chromosome
- Male vs Female Chromosomes