Microchromosome
Microchromosome
Microchromosomes (pronounced: mi·cro·chro·mo·some, /ˌmaɪkrəʊˈkrəʊməsəʊm/) are a type of chromosome that are significantly smaller than other chromosomes in the genome. They are a common feature in the genomes of birds, reptiles, and fishes.
Etymology
The term "microchromosome" is derived from the Greek words micros meaning small, and chromosoma meaning colored body, referring to their small size and the fact that they can be stained for microscopic observation.
Characteristics
Microchromosomes are typically less than 20 million base pairs in length, and are often rich in gene content. They have a high recombination rate and are usually acrocentric, meaning the centromere is located near one end.
Function
Microchromosomes play a significant role in the genetic diversity and evolution of species. They are often involved in sex determination, especially in birds where the Z and W sex chromosomes originated from ancestral microchromosomes.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Microchromosome
- Wikipedia's article - Microchromosome
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