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Multiple Choice
What is the primary difference between euchromatin and heterochromatin in eukaryotic cells?
A
Euchromatin is located in the nucleus, whereas heterochromatin is located in the cytoplasm.
B
Euchromatin is found only in prokaryotic cells, whereas heterochromatin is found only in eukaryotic cells.
C
Euchromatin contains only non-coding DNA, while heterochromatin contains only coding DNA.
D
Euchromatin is less condensed and transcriptionally active, while heterochromatin is more condensed and transcriptionally inactive.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: Euchromatin and heterochromatin are two forms of chromatin found in eukaryotic cells, which are structures that package DNA within the nucleus.
Identify the key characteristics of euchromatin: Euchromatin is less condensed, meaning it is loosely packed, which allows for easier access by transcription machinery. This makes euchromatin transcriptionally active, meaning genes located in these regions are more likely to be expressed.
Identify the key characteristics of heterochromatin: Heterochromatin is more condensed, meaning it is tightly packed. This dense packing restricts access to the DNA, making it transcriptionally inactive, meaning genes in these regions are less likely to be expressed.
Clarify the location: Both euchromatin and heterochromatin are located in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, not in the cytoplasm or in prokaryotic cells.
Summarize the primary difference: The main distinction is that euchromatin is less condensed and transcriptionally active, allowing gene expression, while heterochromatin is more condensed and transcriptionally inactive, restricting gene expression.