Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to Cell Division

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to Cell Division

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Problem 12

Textbook Question

Our somatic cells' DNA is distributed among 46 ________ in the nucleus.
a. Nucleosomes
b. Chromatids
c. Nucleoli
d. Chromosomes

Verified step by step guidance

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.

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.

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.