Satellite Body and Acrocentric Chromosomes are present in which group
**Core Concept**
Satellite bodies and acrocentric chromosomes are characteristic features of a specific group of chromosomes. Satellite bodies are small, dense regions of DNA located near the centromere, while acrocentric chromosomes have their centromere positioned near one end, resulting in a short stalk and a long arm.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The presence of satellite bodies and acrocentric chromosomes is a diagnostic feature of the D group of chromosomes, specifically chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22. These chromosomes are acrocentric, meaning their centromeres are located near the short arm, and they have small satellite bodies at the end of their short arms. The satellite bodies are thought to be regions of highly repetitive DNA that play a role in the formation of the nucleolus during cell division.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because the A group of chromosomes (chromosomes 1, 2, and 3) are metacentric, meaning their centromeres are located in the middle, resulting in two arms of approximately equal length.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because the B group of chromosomes (chromosomes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 18) are metacentric or submetacentric, but do not have the characteristic satellite bodies and acrocentric shape of the D group chromosomes.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because the G group of chromosomes (chromosomes X and Y) are submetacentric, but do not have the characteristic satellite bodies and acrocentric shape of the D group chromosomes.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The D group chromosomes are often involved in chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), which is a common cause of intellectual disability and congenital abnormalities.
**Correct Answer:** D. The D group of chromosomes (chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22) are characterized by the presence of satellite bodies and acrocentric shape.