acentric chromosome

a·cen·tric chro·mo·some

a fragment of a chromosome lacking a centromere and unable to attach to the mitotic spindle; therefore unable to take part in the division of a nucleus and randomly distributed in daughter cells.

Synonym(s): acentric fragment

Acentric Chromosome

A chromosome lacking a centromere, a structure which is essential for cell division and retention of the chromosome in the cell.

acentric chromosome

A chromosome lacking a centromere, which is essential for division and retention of the chromosome in the cell

acentric chromosome

a chromosome formed by the joining of two broken pieces of chromosomes that lack CENTROMERES; the acentric chromosome is lost at the next division. Compare METACENTRIC CHROMOSOME.