[Campbell Biology P.151] Based on the provided text, which statement correctly differentiate... | Practice Question

Based on the provided text, which statement correctly differentiates between chromatin and chromosomes, or states an accurate chromosome count?

  • A: Chromatin is the highly condensed form of DNA and proteins visible during cell division, while chromosomes are diffuse.
  • B: A typical human somatic cell contains 23 chromosomes.
  • C: Chromosomes are discrete units of organized DNA and proteins, and chromatin is the diffuse mass of DNA and proteins when a cell is not dividing.
  • D: Fruit fly sex cells contain 8 chromosomes.

Explanation

The text clearly states that within the nucleus, DNA is organized into discrete units called chromosomes. When a cell is not dividing, stained chromatin appears as a diffuse mass. It also specifies that a typical human cell has 46 chromosomes somatic and 23 sex cells , and a fruit fly cell has 8 chromosomes somatic and 4 sex cells .