The accompanying chromosome diagram represents a eukaryotic chromosome prepared with Giemsa stain. Indicate the heterochromatic and euchromatic regions of the chromosome, and label the chromosome's centromeric and telomeric regions.

What term best describes the shape of this chromosome? <>

Key Concepts

Eukaryotic Chromosome Structure

Eukaryotic chromosomes are linear structures composed of DNA and proteins, organized into chromatin. They consist of euchromatin, which is less condensed and transcriptionally active, and heterochromatin, which is more condensed and typically transcriptionally inactive. Understanding this structure is essential for identifying the different regions in the chromosome diagram.

Centromere and Telomere

The centromere is a specialized region of a chromosome that links sister chromatids and is crucial for proper chromosome segregation during cell division. Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from degradation and prevent fusion with neighboring chromosomes. Recognizing these regions is vital for accurately labeling the chromosome.

Chromosome Shape

Chromosomes can exhibit various shapes, commonly described as metacentric, submetacentric, acrocentric, or telocentric, based on the position of the centromere. The shape influences the chromosome's behavior during cell division and its overall genetic organization. Identifying the correct term for the chromosome's shape is key to understanding its structural characteristics.