centromerén

Centromeres are specialized DNA sequences found on eukaryotic chromosomes. They play a crucial role in cell division, serving as the attachment point for spindle fibers that segregate sister chromatids to opposite poles of the cell. This ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. The centromere is characterized by a unique chromatin structure, often containing repetitive DNA sequences and specialized histone variants. During mitosis and meiosis, the centromere forms a protein structure called the kinetochore, which directly interacts with the microtubules of the spindle apparatus. The precise size and DNA composition of centromeres can vary between species, and they are essential for maintaining chromosomal stability and preventing aneuploidy, a condition where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes.