The centromere is a chromosomal region where the kinetochore is formed, which is the attachment point of spindle fibers. Thus, it is responsible for the correct chromosome segregation during cell division. Telomeres protect chromosome ends against enzymatic degradation and fusions, and localize chromosomes in the cell nucleus. For this reason, centromeres and telomeres are parts of each linear chromosome that are necessary for their proper functioning. More and more research results show that the identity and functions of these chromosomal regions are epigenetically determined. Telomeres and centromeres are both usually described as highly condensed heterochromatin regions. However, the epigenetic nature of centromeres and telomeres is unique, as epigenetic modifications characteristic of both eu- and heterochromatin have been found in these areas. This specificity allows for the proper functioning of both regions, thereby affecting chromosome homeostasis. This review focuses on demonstrating the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the functioning of centromeres and telomeres in plants and animals.

中文翻译：

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动植物中着丝粒和端粒的表观遗传调控。

着丝粒是形成动粒的染色体区域，它是纺锤体纤维的附着点。因此，它负责细胞分裂过程中正确的染色体分离。端粒可保护染色体末端免受酶促降解和融合，并使染色体位于细胞核中。因此，着丝粒和端粒是每个线性染色体的一部分，是它们正常​​运行所必需的。越来越多的研究结果表明，这些染色体区域的身份和功能是表观遗传学确定的。端粒和着丝粒通常都被描述为高度浓缩的异染色质区域。然而，着丝粒和端粒的表观遗传特性是独特的，因为在这些区域发现了真染色质和异染色质的表观遗传修饰。这种特异性允许两个区域的正常运行，从而影响染色体的稳态。这篇综述的重点是证明表观遗传机制在动植物的着丝粒和端粒功能中的作用。