The centromere is the central region of a chromosome that connects the p and q arms. It plays a critical role during cell division by serving as the attachment site for protein structures known as kinetochores. These structures connect chromosomes to spindle fibers, which pull sister chromatids apart into separate cells. The position of the centromere determines whether a chromosome appears symmetrical or asymmetrical. It does not typically code for proteins but consists of specialized DNA sequences and associated proteins. Without a functional centromere, chromosomes cannot be accurately distributed during division, leading to severe genetic errors or cell death.