Journal of Genetics and DNA Research

The centromere is a crucial part of the chromosome that plays a critical role in cell division and the proper segregation of genetic material during mitosis and meiosis. The term "centromere" is derived from the Latin word "centrum," which means center, and "mere," which means part. It is the region of the chromosome where the sister chromatids are held together and where the spindle fibers attach during cell division. The centromere is a highly specialized and complex structure that varies between species and even among different chromosomes within a single cell. It is typically composed of two main components: The centromere DNA and the centromere proteins.