Centromere (Gr. Kentron - Point of Compass, Meros - Part)

Centromere (Gr. Kentron - Point of Compass, Meros - Part)

The centromere is the site where the spindle filament attaches to the chromosome. During mitosis and meiosis, it is this part of the chromosome that first begins to move towards the cell pole.

The centromere plays an important role in the process of cell division. Thanks to it, the genetic material is evenly distributed between daughter cells. The spindle filament attaches to the centromere and pulls the chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell.

The structure of the centromere can be different. In some organisms it is a disk, in others it is a constriction or a section of narrowing of the chromosome. Despite variations in structure, the basic function of the centromere remains unchanged.

Thus, the centromere plays an important role in the process of cell division, ensuring the correct distribution of genetic material between daughter cells. Without a centromere, the uniform movement of chromosomes to the poles during mitosis and meiosis would be impossible.