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Multiple Choice
Approximately how much DNA is present in the nucleus of a human somatic cell during the G1 phase of the cell cycle?
A
About 6 picograms
B
About 1.5 picograms
C
About 12 picograms
D
About 3 picograms
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the G1 phase of the cell cycle is the period after cell division (mitosis) and before DNA replication (S phase), so the DNA content corresponds to a diploid (2n) amount of DNA.
Recall that a human somatic cell is diploid, containing two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, which together have approximately 6 picograms of DNA.
Recognize that the DNA content doubles during the S phase, so before replication (in G1), the DNA amount is at its baseline diploid level.
Use the known standard value that the DNA content in a human diploid somatic cell nucleus during G1 is about 6 picograms.
Confirm that this value matches the expected amount of DNA before replication, distinguishing it from values that represent haploid or replicated DNA content.