Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

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How is chromatin characterized in non-dividing cells?

  1. As condensed and visible structures

  2. As a complex of DNA and proteins

  3. As isolated DNA strands

  4. As discrete chromosome pairs

The correct answer is: As a complex of DNA and proteins

In non-dividing cells, chromatin is characterized as a complex of DNA and proteins. This structure allows the genetic material to be efficiently stored and accessed for transcription, replication, and repair processes. The DNA in chromatin is not tightly packed as it is during cell division but rather exists in a more relaxed state, which is essential for its functions. The proteins, primarily histones, play a critical role in packaging the DNA into a more compact form while also regulating gene expression by controlling the accessibility of the DNA. This organization is vital for cellular activities such as gene regulation, DNA replication, and repair, highlighting the importance of chromatin as more than just a storage form of genetic material in non-dividing cells.

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