[Campbell Biology P.363] Based on the provided diagram illustrating DNA replication, what is... | Practice Question

Based on the provided diagram illustrating DNA replication, what is the fundamental difference between an 'Unduplicated chromosome' and a 'Duplicated and condensed chromosome'?

  • A: An unduplicated chromosome contains only proteins, while a duplicated chromosome contains only DNA.
  • B: An unduplicated chromosome consists of one DNA molecule, whereas a duplicated chromosome consists of two DNA molecules.
  • C: An unduplicated chromosome is ready for distribution to daughter cells, while a duplicated chromosome is not yet condensed enough.
  • D: An unduplicated chromosome is much larger than a duplicated chromosome due to extended DNA.

Explanation

The diagram labels clearly state that an 'Unduplicated chromosome' contains ' one DNA molecule and proteins ', while a 'Duplicated and condensed chromosome' contains ' two DNA molecules and proteins '. This is the core difference during replication.