Question

The shape of the metacentric chromosome in anaphase is
(a) L-shaped
(b) V-shaped
(c) J-shaped
(d) I-shaped

Answer 1

Hint: It is a complete chromosome that has a centromere in between which got the chromosomes separated into two parts during the process of cell division. During the anaphase stage, the chromosomes separate into two equal halves.

Complete answer:
The metacentric chromosome is the chromosome having an X-shaped and in its center, a centromere is present which at the time of cell division will separate the two chromatids which will be having a V-shaped structure.
- The chromosome is made up of two sister chromatids and is composed of the sequences of DNA.
- The Centromere is a small structure marked by a primary constriction in the center of the chromosome.
- The Chromatid is one of the two strands of a copied chromosome
- On the basis of the position of the centromere chromosomes are divided into four types:
Metacentric: When the centromere is present in the middle of the chromosomes and forms two equal arms it is called metacentric chromosomes.
Sub- metacentric: When the centromere is present slightly away from the middle of the chromosomes is called sub- metacentric chromosomes.
Acrocentric: When the centromere is present close to the end of the chromosomes it is called acrocentric chromosomes.
Telocentric: When the centromere is present at the terminal of the chromosomes is called telocentric chromosomes.
- The anaphase stage of cell division occurs when replicated chromosomes are split and the newly- copied chromosomes (daughter chromatids) are pulled to the opposite poles by the spindle fibers of the cell.

So, the correct answer is ‘V-shaped’.


Note: Each chromosome can be divided into two sections or arms based on the position of the centromere the shorter arm is called p and the longer arm is called q. Due to the position of the centromere, these chromosomes can be seen in different kinds of shapes during the anaphase of mitosis. The metacentric chromosomes appear to be V-shaped. sub- metacentric chromosomes appear to be L-shaped, the telocentric chromosome appears to be like I-shaped and the acrocentric chromosome appears to be J-shaped.