Difference Between Centromere and Kinetochore
The below table highlights the primary differences between Centromere and Kinetochore:
|
Features |
Centromere |
Kinetochore |
|---|---|---|
|
Composition |
A chromosomal DNA segment that is constrained. |
A protein complex that is put together on the centromere of chromosomes. |
|
Observation |
Visible with a light microscope. |
Visible with an electron microscope. |
|
Structure |
Comprised of centric heterochromatin. |
Comprised of specialized histone types like CENP-A. |
|
Position |
Consists of four positions: telocentric, acrocentric, submetacentric, and metacentric. |
Consists of two layers, the inner and outer kinetochores. |
|
Number |
It may be holocentric or monocentric. |
There is one kinetochore complex per centromere. |
|
Binding with Microtubules |
Avoids interacting with microtubules. |
About 20 anchoring spots can be found on the outer kinetochore. |
|
Primary Function |
Holding sister chromatids together. |
Creating a location for the attachment of microtubules. |
|
Corona |
Doesn’t possess a corona. |
Usually have a corona. |
|
Layers |
Have no layers. |
Usually has two layers. |
Difference Between Centromere and Kinetochore
Centromere and Kinetochore are the two primary structures located in the approximate middle of chromosomes. At the time of cell division, they are extremely important for sister chromatid segregation. The primary difference between Centromere and Kinetochore is that the centromere is the region of the chromosome that holds two sister chromatids, whereas the kinetochore is the disc-shaped protein complex of the chromosome.