Final answer:
The centromeres of metacentric chromosomes are actually located at the middle, not toward one end, making the statement false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the centromeres of metacentric chromosomes are located toward one end of the chromosome is false. In fact, metacentric chromosomes have their centromeres situated approximately in the middle of the chromosomes, resulting in arms of roughly equal length. In contrast, acrocentric chromosomes have centromeres closer to one end, creating a long arm and a very short arm. During cell division, such as in metaphase, centromeres play a crucial role as spindle fibers attach to the kinetochores at the centromeres. This attachment is essential for correct alignment and subsequent segregation of chromosomes to the daughter cells.