
Concept explainers
What is/are the main component(s) of chromosomes?
- DNA only
- RNA only
- proteins only
- DNA and proteins
- DNA and RNA

Introduction:
There are a variety of living organisms that are present in the environment. The cell organelle that contains the genetic material is known as the nucleus. The genes carry the genetic information of an individual, and these are present in a chromosome.
Answer to Problem 1TY
The correct answer is option d) DNA and proteins.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation/justification for the correct answer:
Option (d) DNA and proteins. Chromosomes are present in eukaryotic organisms. They are “thread-like” in appearance. The genetic material that mostly occurs is known as DNA. DNA coils over the proteins called histones forming chromatin. The chromatin, in turn, condenses to form specifically shaped chromosomes. So, the correct answer is option (d).
Explanation for incorrect answer:
Option (a) DNA only. A chromosome consists of DNA units. However, it is not the only constituent present in the chromosome. It also contains certain proteins known as histones. So, this is an incorrect option.
Option (b) RNA only. RNA is not the component of the chromosomes. The two important constituents of chromosomes are DNA and proteins. So, this is an incorrect answer.
Option (c) proteins only. Proteins are not genetic material. Genes that carry the genetic material are located on the DNA, but proteins help in the coiling of the DNA. However, chromosomes are not only made up of proteins. So, this is an incorrect answer.
Option (e) DNA and RNA. DNA is an important consistent of the chromosome. However, it does not contain RNA molecules. There must be some component that allows the strand of DNA to get condensed to form a chromosome however, proteins are needed. So, this is an incorrect answer.
Therefore, the two important constituents of chromosomes are DNA and proteins (in the form of histone). It stores genetic information and helps in the normal functioning of a cell. Hence, the correct answer is option (d) DNA and proteins.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 9 Solutions
Principles of Biology
- In one paragraph show how atoms and they're structure are related to the structure of dna and proteins. Talk about what atoms are. what they're made of, why chemical bonding is important to DNA?arrow_forwardWhat are the structure and properties of atoms and chemical bonds (especially how they relate to DNA and proteins).arrow_forwardThe Sentinel Cell: Nature’s Answer to Cancer?arrow_forward
- Molecular Biology Question You are working to characterize a novel protein in mice. Analysis shows that high levels of the primary transcript that codes for this protein are found in tissue from the brain, muscle, liver, and pancreas. However, an antibody that recognizes the C-terminal portion of the protein indicates that the protein is present in brain, muscle, and liver, but not in the pancreas. What is the most likely explanation for this result?arrow_forwardMolecular Biology Explain/discuss how “slow stop” and “quick/fast stop” mutants wereused to identify different protein involved in DNA replication in E. coli.arrow_forwardMolecular Biology Question A gene that codes for a protein was removed from a eukaryotic cell and inserted into a prokaryotic cell. Although the gene was successfully transcribed and translated, it produced a different protein than it produced in the eukaryotic cell. What is the most likely explanation?arrow_forward
- Molecular Biology LIST three characteristics of origins of replicationarrow_forwardMolecular Biology Question Please help. Thank you For E coli DNA polymerase III, give the structure and function of the b-clamp sub-complex. Describe how the structure of this sub-complex is important for it’s function.arrow_forwardMolecular Biology LIST three characteristics of DNA Polymerasesarrow_forward
- Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage LearningHuman Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Co...BiologyISBN:9781305251052Author:Michael CummingsPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...BiologyISBN:9781305117396Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Human Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage LearningAnatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168130Author:Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark WomblePublisher:OpenStax College





