Textbook Question
Explain how and why chromatin is condensed in the nucleus.
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Ch. 3 The Cell
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology24
- Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Life37
- Ch. 3 The Cell54
- Ch. 4 Histology46
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System30
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Tissue36
- Ch. 7 The Skeletal System40
- Ch. 8 Articulations19
- Ch. 9 The Muscular System35
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue and Physiology29
- Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue28
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System41
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System41
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis31
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses39
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System42
- Ch. 17 The Cardiovascular System I: The Heart28
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System II: The Blood Vessels43
- Ch. 19 Blood32
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Immunity41
- Ch. 21 The Respiratory System27
- Ch. 22 The Digestive System27
- Ch. 23 Metabolism and Nutrition7
- Ch. 24 The Urinary System39
- Ch. 25 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis39
- Ch. 26 The Reproductive System10
- Ch. 27 Development and Heredity5
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 12
Our somatic cells' DNA is distributed among 46 ________ in the nucleus.
a. Nucleosomes
b. Chromatids
c. Nucleoli
d. Chromosomes
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the context: Somatic cells are any cells in the body that are not reproductive cells (sperm or egg). These cells contain the complete set of DNA necessary for the organism.
Recall the structure of DNA: DNA in somatic cells is organized into structures called chromosomes, which are located in the nucleus of the cell. Chromosomes are made of tightly coiled DNA and proteins.
Differentiate between the options: a) Nucleosomes are subunits of chromatin, consisting of DNA wrapped around histone proteins. b) Chromatids are one of the two identical halves of a replicated chromosome. c) Nucleoli are structures within the nucleus responsible for ribosome production. d) Chromosomes are the complete structures that contain DNA and are visible during cell division.
Focus on the question: The problem asks for the structure in the nucleus where DNA is distributed among 46 units. This number corresponds to the total number of chromosomes in human somatic cells (23 pairs).
Conclude the reasoning: Based on the explanation above, the correct answer is the structure that matches the description of chromosomes, as they are the carriers of DNA in somatic cells.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Chromosomes
Chromosomes are long, thread-like structures made of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information. In humans, somatic cells contain 46 chromosomes, organized in 23 pairs. Each chromosome consists of a single DNA molecule that is tightly coiled and condensed, allowing for efficient packaging within the cell nucleus.
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Nucleosomes
Nucleosomes are the fundamental units of DNA packaging in eukaryotic cells. They consist of a segment of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins, resembling 'beads on a string.' Nucleosomes help to organize DNA into a compact structure, facilitating its regulation and accessibility during processes like transcription and replication.
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Chromatids
Chromatids are the two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome, which are joined together at a region called the centromere. During cell division, each chromatid is separated and distributed to daughter cells, ensuring that each new cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. Chromatids are crucial for the accurate segregation of genetic material.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Each of the following statements about protein synthesis is false. Correct each to make a true statement.
In a gene, each nucleotide specifies one amino acid in a protein sequence.
Textbook Question
Mark the following statements about the cytoskeleton as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Centrioles are part of the centrosome from which microtubules originate.
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Textbook Question
Mark the following statements about the cytoskeleton as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Endocytosis, exocytosis, muscle cell contraction, and cellular 'crawling' are all mediated by intermediate filaments.
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Textbook Question
Which of the following statements correctly describes the function of the nucleolus?
a. Within the nucleolus we find genes for rRNA.
b. Nucleoli manufacture mitochondrial proteins for export to the cytosol.
c. Nucleoli assemble the nuclear envelope.
d. The nucleolus contains the genes that form the Golgi apparatus.
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Textbook Question
Mark the following statements about the cytoskeleton as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Intermediate filaments are ropelike structures composed of tubulin proteins.
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