alleryStart learning →On a chromosome, what do the labels p and q refer to?
AThe two chromatids of one replicated chromosome
BThe two strands making up the DNA double helix
CThe two ends of the chromosome outside its arms
DThe short arm and the long arm of the chromosome
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. The short arm and the long arm of the chromosome
1. Arms project from either end of the centromere and may be designated short or long by their relative lengths.
2. The short arm is abbreviated p, from the French word for small.
3. The long arm is abbreviated q, because q follows p alphabetically.
4. Each arm is then subdivided and numbered, so a position can be written consistently.
5. Using that system, position 12 on the long arm of chromosome 13 is written 13q12.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 13 "Modern Understandings of Inheritance", section 13.2 Chromosomal Basis of Inherited Disorders_
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