Chromosomes

The body of plants and animals are built by numerous cells. The structure of different organism is different. In case of human beings also there is difference structure between different races. The characters of organism is being transmitted from their ancestors from the beginning of development of organisms. The medium of transmission of heredity is called chromosome which is formed by numbers of gene. The genes are built by Deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) molecules. Chromosomes not only carry hereditary characters but also some sex linked diseases like hemophilia.
Chromosomes and DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the genetic code that allows information to be transferred from one generation to the next. DNA molecules consist of two linear chains that are wrapped around one another forming a double helix structure. These helical structures are further wound into chromosome structures. Chromosomes are divided into two parts with a constriction point in the in the middle which is known as the centromere. The four types of chromosomes in animal cells are classified by the position of the centromere.
Structure and Function of the Centromere
Centromeres consist of a complex combination of proteins and DNA. They are essential to the division of cells and ensure the accurate segregation of chromosomes. Studies have demonstrated that chromosomes without centromeres segregate randomly and are eventually lost from cells. In contrast, chromosomes that have multiple centromeres can be subject to fragmentation.

Types of chromosome

Metacentric Chromosomes

Metacentric chromosomes have the centromere in the center, such that both sections are of equal length. Human chromosome 1 and 3 are metacentric.

Submetacentric Chromosomes

Submetacentric chromosomes have the centromere slightly offset from the center leading to a slight asymmetry in the length of the two sections. Human chromosomes 4 through 12 are submetacentric.

Acrocentric Chromosomes

Acrocentric chromosomes have a centromere which is severely offset from the center leading to one very long and one very short section. Human chromosomes 13,15, 21, and 22 are acrocentric.

Telocentric Chromosomes

Telocentric chromosomes have the centromere at the very end of the chromosome. Humans do not possess telocentric chromosomes but they are found in other species such as mice.