zusterchromatide

Zusterchromatide, also known as sister chromatids, are identical copies of a chromosome that are joined at a region called the centromere. They are formed during the S phase of the cell cycle, when DNA replication occurs. Each chromosome is duplicated, resulting in two sister chromatids that remain connected until they are separated during cell division. This connection is crucial for the proper distribution of genetic material to daughter cells. The term "zusterchromatide" is derived from the German words "zuster" meaning sister and "chromatid" meaning thread of chromosomes. The study of sister chromatids is important in understanding genetic stability, chromosome segregation, and the mechanisms of cell division.