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Multiple Choice
Which of the following mechanisms significantly compact eukaryotic DNA within the cell?
A
RNA transcription
B
Histone protein binding
C
DNA replication
D
DNA methylation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that eukaryotic DNA is organized into a structure called chromatin, which allows it to fit within the nucleus of a cell.
Recognize that histone proteins play a crucial role in the compaction of DNA. DNA wraps around histone proteins to form nucleosomes, which are the basic units of chromatin.
Consider the process of histone protein binding: DNA is negatively charged, and histones are positively charged, facilitating the wrapping of DNA around histones.
Acknowledge that this wrapping and further coiling of nucleosomes into higher-order structures significantly compacts the DNA, making it more manageable within the cell.
Differentiate this mechanism from other processes like RNA transcription, DNA replication, and DNA methylation, which do not primarily serve the purpose of compacting DNA.