[Campbell Biology P.381] A researcher is studying a gene that is actively expressed in a par... | Practice Question

A researcher is studying a gene that is actively expressed in a particular cell type. Based on the understanding of chromatin structure, where would this gene most likely be located within the interphase nucleus?

  • A: In a highly compacted region of heterochromatin, near the nuclear envelope.
  • B: Within a region of euchromatin, where DNA is accessible to transcription machinery.
  • C: In a metaphase chromosome, as gene expression is highest during cell division.
  • D: Within a region of chromatin that is attached solely to the nuclear matrix, with no access to the nuclear lamina.

Explanation

The text states that euchromatin is the 'less compacted, more dispersed interphase chromatin' and its 'looser packing... makes its DNA accessible to those proteins, and the genes present in euchromatin are available for transcription.' This directly links active gene expression to the presence within euchromatin.