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

Interphase

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Interphase

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1:11 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

It is difficult to observe individual chromosomes during interphase becausea. the DNA has not been replicated yet.b. they are in the form of long, thin strands.c. they leave the nucleus and are dispersed to other parts of the cell.d. homologous chromosomes do not pair up until division starts.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that interphase is the phase of the cell cycle when the cell prepares for division and DNA is replicated.

Recall that during interphase, chromosomes are not condensed and are instead in the form of chromatin, which is a less tightly packed structure.

Consider that chromatin is composed of long, thin strands of DNA and proteins, making it difficult to distinguish individual chromosomes under a microscope.

Eliminate options that do not align with the characteristics of interphase, such as DNA replication status or chromosome pairing.

Identify the correct reason based on the understanding that chromosomes are not visible as distinct entities during interphase due to their extended and thin form.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Interphase

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division. It consists of three stages: G1 (cell growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis). During interphase, the DNA is in a relaxed state, making it less visible under a microscope compared to the condensed form seen during mitosis.

Chromatin Structure

Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. During interphase, chromatin exists as long, thin strands, which are less compact than the chromosomes seen during cell division. This less condensed state allows for gene expression and DNA replication but makes individual chromosomes difficult to distinguish.

Chromosome Visibility

Chromosome visibility refers to the ability to observe distinct chromosomes under a microscope. During interphase, chromosomes are not visible as separate entities due to their extended chromatin form. It is only during mitosis, when chromatin condenses into distinct chromosomes, that they can be easily observed.