Scientists have made a remarkable discovery about centromeres—the regions of DNA that play an essential role in the segregation of chromosomes during cell division. A new study published in the journal Science has revealed that centromeres are much more dynamic and diverse than previously thought. Researchers have identified a new type of centromere, which they have called “plastic centromeres,” that have the ability to rapidly evolve and change their structure. These plastic centromeres may be responsible for the incredible diversity of centromere architecture found in nature. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of how centromeres influence the structure and function of chromosomes, as well as the development of diseases associated with chromosomal abnormalities.

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source: Phys.org