Acrocentric Chromosome describes a chromosomal morphology in which the chromosome possesses arms of asymmetrical lengths; with one arm being obviously shorter than the other. This structural imbalance is because of the junction at which the arms connect to the centromere is situated relatively close to the end. Commonly, they possess lesser constrictions on the p arm that associates the satellites of DNA to the middle region of the chromosome.

The term originates from the Greek word akron, that means “the peak”. Normally, from the 22 chromosomal pairs, an individual has five pairs of this type of DNA carrier. In the human genome, the acrocentric chromosomes include the 13th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd chromosomes. When there is an existence of an additional acrocentric chromosome, the person exhibits sets of symptoms such as in people with Down syndrome in which an extra 21st chromosome is present.