In metacentric chromosomes, the centromere is positioned near the center of the chromosome, dividing it into two arms that are approximately equal in length. This symmetrical arrangement results in two arms, known as the p arm (short arm) and the q arm (long arm), being roughly of the same size. 

Due to the balanced nature of the centromere's placement, metacentric chromosomes have a characteristic V-shape during cell division, particularly when they align during metaphase of mitosis. This shape is due to the equal tension on both arms of the chromosome as the centromere attaches to the spindle fibers, facilitating an even segregation of genetic material into the daughter cells. 

Metacentric chromosomes are typically observed in many species and are involved in critical processes such as cell division and genetic inheritance. 

In submetacentric chromosomes, the centromere is located slightly off-center, creating an imbalance between the two chromosome arms. 

As a result, one arm, known as the p arm (short arm), is shorter than the other, the q arm (long arm). This asymmetrical positioning of the centromere causes the chromosome to adopt an L-shape during cell division, especially visible during metaphase. The shape arises because the shorter p arm is less extended compared to the longer q arm, affecting how the chromosome aligns on the spindle during mitosis or meiosis.

Submetacentric chromosomes are common in many organisms and play a crucial role in maintaining genetic stability during cell division. 

In acrocentric chromosomes, the centromere is positioned very close to one end of the chromosome, resulting in an extremely short p arm (short arm) that is often difficult to observe, while the q arm (long arm) is significantly longer. This gives the chromosome an asymmetric appearance, with one arm being much shorter than the other. In humans, acrocentric chromosomes also feature satellites, which are small, repetitive DNA segments attached to the short arm by a stalk-like structure. These satellites are typically located near the tip of the p arm. The presence of satellites is important for functions such as ribosome biogenesis, as these regions often contain genes that encode ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Acrocentric chromosomes play essential roles in cell functions, and their unique structure facilitates the organization of genetic material in the nucleus.

In telocentric chromosomes, the centromere is positioned at the very end of the chromosome, leaving only one visible arm. These chromosomes are not present in humans but are found in some species, such as mice.

Karyotyping is a laboratory technique used to study the number, size, shape, and structure of chromosomes in a cell. It involves arranging the chromosomes in a standardized format, usually in pairs, based on their size, banding pattern, and centromere position. This arrangement, known as a karyotype, allows scientists and clinicians to detect chromosomal abnormalities, such as extra or missing chromosomes (e.g., Down syndrome, Turner syndrome) or structural changes (e.g., translocations, deletions).

Karyotyping is commonly performed on cells that are actively dividing, such as white blood cells, bone marrow cells, or amniotic fluid cells. Read More.