Monocentric

Monocentric

Monocentric refers to a structure, system, or organism that is centered around a single point or nucleus. In various fields, the term "monocentric" can have specific meanings, often contrasting with "polycentric," which involves multiple centers.

Definition

In general terms, "monocentric" describes any system or structure that is organized around a single central point. This can apply to biological organisms, urban planning, and other areas where a central point of control or organization is evident.

Applications

Biology

In biology, monocentric chromosomes are those that have a single centromere. The centromere is the part of a chromosome that links sister chromatids and is crucial during cell division. Monocentric chromosomes are typical in most eukaryotic organisms, where the centromere serves as the attachment point for spindle fibers during mitosis and meiosis.

• Chromosome
• Centromere
• Mitosis
• Meiosis

Urban Planning

In urban planning, a monocentric city is one that has a single central business district (CBD) around which the city is organized. This is in contrast to a polycentric city, which has multiple centers of activity. Monocentric cities often face challenges such as traffic congestion and high real estate prices in the central area.

• Central business district
• Urban planning
• Traffic congestion

Ecology

In ecology, monocentric can refer to ecosystems or habitats that are dominated by a single species or type of organism. This can lead to reduced biodiversity and increased vulnerability to environmental changes.

• Ecosystem
• Biodiversity

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Efficiency: Monocentric systems can be more efficient in terms of resource allocation and management, as there is a single point of control.
• Simplicity: With a single center, the structure is often simpler to understand and manage.

Disadvantages

• Vulnerability: A monocentric system can be more vulnerable to disruptions, as the failure of the central point can affect the entire system.
• Congestion: In urban settings, monocentric cities can suffer from congestion and overuse of central resources.

Also see

• Polycentric
• Chromosome structure
• Urban sprawl
• Biodiversity loss