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kinetochore

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /kɪˈnɛtəˌkɔr/

KK: /kɪˈnɛtəˌkɔr/

noun
Definition

A structure on a chromosome that helps attach it to spindle fibers during cell division.


Example

The kinetochore plays a crucial role in ensuring that chromosomes are properly separated during mitosis.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of a kinetochore?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's something to do with cell division, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's where the microtubules attach during mitosis.
Sloth B
That sounds really interesting; biology has so many cool details!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
centromere
spindle
attachment
Antonyms
detach
separate
disjoin
Root Explanation

Kinetochore → It is formed from "kineto-" (from Greek "kinesis", meaning movement) and "-chore" (from Greek "choreia", meaning to place or to arrange). The word refers to a structure that plays a role in the movement of chromosomes during cell division, thus relating to movement and arrangement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'movement' ('kineto-') and 'placing' ('-chore') to remember that a kinetochore is a structure that helps in the movement and arrangement of chromosomes.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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