Question

Genes are active in a region of the eukaryotic chromosome called the

A) the nucleoid
B) the plasmid
C) the histone
D) euchromatin
E) heterochromatin

Answer 1

Eukaryotic chromosomes contain active genes primarily in the euchromatin, which is less densely packed than heterochromatin, facilitating gene transcription.

Step-by-step explanation:

Genes in eukaryotic chromosomes are active primarily in a region known as euchromatin. Euchromatin is less densely packed than heterochromatin, allowing for the accessibility and subsequent transcription of DNA. Heterochromatin, on the other hand, often contains genes that are not expressed due to its tight packing.

Chromatin organization involves DNA wrapped around histone proteins to form nucleosomes, which further coils to form a more condensed structure. Active genes are usually found within euchromatin because this less condensed form is more accessible to enzymes necessary for gene transcription.